MTFCA Forum

I recently purchased a 1926 Roadster. When attempting to start, I managed to do some damage, but I'm having trouble identifying what I need to purchase to repair. It's by the timer, but it's not the timer and I don't believe the cap.

Take another pix back further & the other side also. I cant tell what that is. Clip on Distributor base?

Ok, so now I'm thinking it is the timer cover, it just appears different than others I'm seeing online. Does anyone know which specific type this is?

speedytinc wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 12, 2021 5:37 pm

Take another pix back further & the other side also. I cant tell what that is. Clip on Distributor base?

Ok - Just saw this. I'll upload some additional photos, thanks

More pictures from different angles please.

I need to get another pic from the other side, but here's one a bit further back

Here's another from further back

Your last photo shows it all, it's an after market part, a distributor has been fitted to your engine, now will need some photo's of the other side to see if period one or a modern one.

Here are some more pics. I couldn't really get a good shot from the other side, but tried. It seems to be a cover for the timer/commutator, but I'm not seeing the same type online. Not sure where this one came from...

Kerry wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 12, 2021 7:00 pm

Your last photo shows it all, it's an after market part, a distributor has been fitted to your engine, now will need some photo's of the other side to see if period one or a modern one.

Ok thanks

Thanks for you help. I didn't realize it was all part of a distributor. Looks like it was made for Fords. Hopefully, I can just buy the part that broke rather than an entirely new distributor kit. Thanks Again.

WAG - it's an elevated accessory timer or could be a distributor - it's done for !

Steve has it, an old time accessory, probably a raised timer. of a brand with which I have never seen before. A replacement will be difficult to find, and if the broken bit is diecast potmetal, not likely to be repairable.
If it's just a timer, the fix is easy. Replace it with an Anderson or another of your choice. Hopefully, all you need to do is re-route the existing wiring.

Hope this helps,
Allan from down under.

When you order your new timer or distributor, get the T1 service manual. That will give you a better idea how things work on your T.

From the wireing in the last picture it looks like a timer elevator. This would mean you are using 4 stock Model T coils. If so, you can get a new timer from T parts vendor. You will also need a new timer advance rod because the old one will be the wrong length. A optional choice would be to get from T vendor a replacement clip on distributor with new coil and spark plug wires. If it were me I would stay with the 4 stock Model T coils if your car was running ok on them.

How bad is this? Really Bad. BUT the good part is now you have something to work on
Enhanced photo right side up. Might need a new set of wires too - may not be long enough.

That does appear to be just a elevated timer so take it off, throw it away and get a regular timer and rod for it and install it. There are several versions of std mounting timers available from all the peddlers. Things that cannot be fixed have no place on a T that is going to be driven. So answer is not bad!

Since you are new to this, I should have explained that many items made in the early days out of pot metal have deteriorated to the point they crumble very easy which seems to be the fault of your accessory timer. A common brand in T days was DELCO and their distributors and speedometers were made of a metal that today will be in bad un usable shape.

Since you are new to this, I should have explained that many items made in the early days out of pot metal have deteriorated to the point they crumble very easy which seems to be the fault of your accessory timer. A common brand in T days was DELCO and their distributors and speedometers were made of a metal that today will be in bad un usable shape.

Don't throw that away, save all the pieces - its odd enough to be glued together and put on the shelf as an example of another accessory item of the period. Worth something to someone (m e - maybe ).
I would suggest you reach out to some of the members in the Mile High Peddle Pushers Club in your area to fit a Timer onto your T. Since your new its always good to have such Friends
https://milehighpedalpushers.com/

For new replacement Anderson or New Day timers contact Mark Hutchinson at Tip Top Timers in Spokane. (509) 220-0892 or hutchmc@comcast.net

I've had one of his New Days on my touring for 3500+ miles. Good unit. I like the New Day because of it's simplicity. You don't have to lube it, just clean it once and awhile.

You may have to get a new pull rod that goes from the spark lever on the steering assembly to the timer. It often requires some bending to get it to fit around everything.

Thank you all for the guidance. It is very much appreciated!