MTFCA Forum

I have an original aluminum timer, but missing the oiler. What kind of oiler does this take?
If you have an extra one laying around I'd be interested in getting it.
Thanks Mike

What does the other (Inside ) look like?

The small threaded fitting you are showing looks to me like a 1/8” pipe thread fitting that’s pretty common. Is that original to the timer?

That is a manhole cover style oiler that is missing its lid. Just replace it with a small pipe plug. You should remove, clean, and re-oil your timer for regular maintenance every 80-120 miles for best operation anyway. No need to add any oil between those intervals.

Here is the inside of the timer. From my understanding the pipe threaded insert is original to the timer but it's missing the oiler top? or Oiler insert. The inside of the pipe thread fitting is smooth so does this take a press in oiler? Ive been trying to find pictures of an original aluminum timer but have not been able to locate any.

Adam,
How does the lid fit on to this? I don't see any threaded pieces on the inside nor is there any where it looks like something attached to the outside of the plug part. Is the Man Hole oiler plug different from this one that's on mine?
Mike

I’m not to sure the fitting is original to this early timer but that’s just my opinion as I’m not familiar with the early Ford parts. It looks to much like a more modern piece but what do I know.

Here is a picture I found on the Model T Ford Fix It Site. It says this (timer pictured) was a reproduction timer made by Howard Cassica. Is this type of oiler "correct" or what I need to be looking for?

Looking closely at the plug that’s used in the reproduction pic it looks like it has the same knurled plug finish as the 4 timer wir nuts on the timer. All 5 have the knurled finish. I guess so it would match.

I believe the original version of your timer was cast iron.

Your oiler is missing the little knurled cap, which you already know. The underside of the cap should have a little wire loop, or maybe a cross pin as you see in the lower part of the oiler. A small spring hooks on the cross pin in the lower section, and the loop under the cap, and pulls the cap down tight to seal things off. When adding oil, the cap is pulled open.

Jerry,
I thought the timers for 12-14(?) were aluminum.

Timer turmoil: Ford timers changed often. I believe one sentence in this encyclopedia page says it best. There may be no "correct" timer for any given year.

The encyclopedia has more pages on timers.

I have two original aluminum timers, plus an original early Ford script cast iron timer. The iron timer (pictured), and one of the aluminum timers, have the same manhole style oiler. The second aluminum timer has an original brass twist style oiler, same as used on the chassis. I don't know if it's original to the timer or a later addition but it's definitely an original oiler and not a reproduction.

Tbird wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 20, 2021 11:21 am

Jerry,
I thought the timers for 12-14(?) were aluminum.

Yup, it looks as if I'm mistaken. I thought the only original aluminum ones had the integral oil filler neck.