Timer problem solved!

[FRANK PKNY]

A recently purchased T was not running well. So i started to dig into the problem. The coils all seemed to spark fine when hand cranked. No auto starter. Checked the plugs they were a little black, but seemed to spark OK. Then I pulled the timer and walla!1 Someone filled it with a gray grease. I cleaned it out well and the problem was solved it now runs great. Ever heard of putting grease in a timer?

 

[John Otis]

Yup I have fixed similar problems on a few occasions. The logic (?) of packing the timer with grease has always escaped me. By the way, I have always had excellent results with stock timers that were clean and properly lubricated. I personally prefer an original New Day timer myself. The very best timer I ever had was a white porcelain aftermarket one that had a copper plated roller similar to the stock Ford.

 

[FRANK PKNY]

John, Thanks for the reply. I purchased an Anderson timer but have not installed it yet. I understand they are good. Frank

 

[Doug Money]

Different timing setup. Follow the instructions that come with it, not the ford instructions.

 

[FRANK PKNY]

Thanks for the heads up. Very good to know. Frank

 

[Kohnke Rebabbitting]

A recently purchased T was not running well. So i started to dig into the problem. The coils all seemed to spark fine when hand cranked. No auto starter. Checked the plugs they were a little black, but seemed to spark OK. Then I pulled the timer and walla!1 Someone filled it with a gray grease. I cleaned it out well and the problem was solved it now runs great. Ever heard of putting grease in a timer?

Putting in a thin grease CAN work for a little while, but after a short while, it will build up on the rollor track, and will insulate it's self from a good grounding contact. thanks Herm.