MTFCA Forum

1916 Touring Hello, Would anyone suggest one timer over another? (other than upgrading to the e timer) Thanks

In the absence of old New Day timers, I use Anderson flapper types.

Allan from down under.

I love my Turner 2 in 1

I love the I-Timer. I have put them on 6 of my cars so far. Can't help but love the way they run.

I use an E-timer and have just installed an I-timer in a friends car today. Very impressed with the performance of both.

Original and somewhat readily available.
Original New Day. I've tried others and have had the best luck with New Day. Just bought two NOS ones to go with a couple others I have somewhere.

I have a bunch of "better idea" ones I'd like to try if I ever get time.

I think overall if you have good coils just about anything works well when New condition.

Original New Day or current New Day. Stay away from any that have the "S" right under the boss for the timer rod, look for ones that have "PAT" in that location. Roller timers like original or Tiger work fine too if new or in good shape, but do need cleaned and lubes every so often (as do the New Day if oil seal leaks).

I have 3500 miles on a New Day timer from Tip Top Timers of Spokane, WA. Works great! I've cleaned it a couple of times but that's it. Truly low maintenance. Talk to Mark Hutchinson (509) 220-0892 <hutchmc@comcast.net> Note: They also make Anderson timers if you decide to go that way.

I have an old New Day on the first T I bought in 1989. It has worked fine ever since I have the car. On another car I used an old New Day, but the brush was worn out and I replaced it with an Anderson. The Anderson works very well too. On my third T, I have used an Anderson ever since I got it running. No problem either. Both of these types require very little service. The Anderson needs a special lube grease from time to time.
Norm

Good experience with Anderson, Tiger, New Day, and Crystal timers.

This isn't about timers, just an observation that a lot of us old guys like the same things. Model T's, old tractors, Jeeps, old airplanes, old motorcycles, etc.

Here is from Old Aviator above.
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor

Mine looks kind of the same. 27 coupe, buncha parts.
Sold my last airplane
48 Willy CJ2A, 49 Willys Pickup,52 Willys pickup
Half a dozen little Ford Tractors ranging from a 39 9N to a mid 70's 4000 diesel
15 other little tractors+ old balers, etc.
Model A truck

Lotsa crap.

Back to timers.

I always liked the Turner Timer, too. Aluminum case with a contact piece that can be turned over after it wears on one side, wires encased in a flexible metal tube, contact wiper similar to New Day. Somewhere in all the boxes and piles of stuff I think I still have a new old stock one in the original box. Maybe I'll get it out and try it. If I can find it.

I think somebody should reproduce that Rush type with the two contacts that run on the sides of the round-de-round piece. Wiper maybe? I have one that's pretty worn but it looks like a great idea.

Back to the shop.

Back to the shop.

Back to the shop.

I run a "RUSH Dual Contact" timer in the Centerdoor - one needs to radius (in the lathe) the outer edge of the insulator and steel contact and it does just that - Dual Contact !

No timer can match the I or E timer. I understand using an original Ford roller. I believe the Anderson is an improvement but with timing draw backs and the New Day is great depending on the brush. Each of those have their own issues and must be serviced quite often if you drive a lot and expect the best performance. When Mike developed the I Timer as a direct replacement their really isn't another one that can compete with the modern electronics since it operates on coils exactly like an original. The real beauty is that you never have to service it again and to some that job seems to be a real joy and a part of Model T driving.

I really like the I Timer. This past Saturday I drove my 27 Touring a total of 35 miles in 20 degree weather at an elevation of 7200 ft. My passengers were 2 ladies and a dog who were wrapped up in multiple blankets. Running ECCT tuned coils and an I Timer is the cat's meow.

So Kirk, Did you mean the I Timer or the adjusted coils with a dog and some gals aboard was not letting the car reach optimum operating speed?

The dog was just happy to be in the car. Now the ladies, that was a different story.
A little off topic, but the magneto test option on the ECCT software is real easy to use and very informative.

It is philosophical. If I want something modern, electronic and trouble free with power steering, heated seats and air conditioning I drive one of my Cadillacs, one of my Ford pickups or one of my other rigs like my 86 F150 with 82,000 miles on it. If I want something kind of modern, not too electronic and pretty much trouble free I drive my CJ2A Willys or my 49 Willys pickup. If I want fun and not very modern, not much electronic and hopefully trouble free I drive my Model T with the timer and coils and 2 wheel brakes and a lousy heater and worse air conditioning and all that.

Your mileage may vary, no warranties expressed or implied, all expressions of condition are between seller and buyer, auctioneer is agent only, statements days of auction take precedence over any previous advertising, etc., etc.

Your money, run what you want. My money --- I run a New Day.

After reading all the above my only suggestion to you is to carry a spare. They all work good, but if it breaks......

I've been using an E-timer for a few years now and have been happy with the performance. I put around 2,500km on my car per year and the E-Timer has been a zero-maintenance item.

thankyou all for the suggestions!!

D Hort beat me to it. No matter which timer you use, it is very wise to carry a spare, just in case! The spare need not be the same kind if you have the brush and the cap or all the parts you need to make it work. Remember, that all things electronic, can suddenly break down, so even with an e timer or I timer it is wise to carry a spare.
Norm

I know they are called E timers and I timers, but I consider these as pieces of electronic wizardry that are substitutes for a real timer. I have an E timer on my roadster. I like the way it performs and does away with the need for operating the advance/retard lever during operation. I really like the fact that I can quickly replace the unit and revert to a standard type timer if necessary. I carry a standard timer as my spare.

Allan from down under.