Timer Troubles

[Brent Teltow]

Good evening, I am experiencing timer issues and looking for some advice. Quick backstory, 1915 touring with converted truck bed. No serial number on the block, but the timer has the oil cup on it. Runs on battery only. Always 3 to 4 notches down started and idled nice. Now barely will start and when I get it going to run smooth it is all the way down on the quadrant. I not into throwing parts at it . Any advice would be great. Thank you Brent. P.S All gave some.... but some gave all. God bless America!!

[TWrenn]

First we need to know what KIND of timer. Second, it may just need cleaning. Third, if its a carbon brush timer then it most definitely needs cleaning and the contacts probly need a light sanding. If it's a roller timer, it could need a new roller as well as cleaning. Carbon brush timers do not like oil at all, even though they may for some odd reason still be in the timer cap with the oil cup as you say. Pretty much same as the roller...clean the flapper and the contact points, bit the Anderson does use lube. There's even a tube of lube on the market for it.
Good luck

P.S.....plus all this, the timing itself may just be off some too!

[TWrenn]

Proof-reading:!...after the roller talk I failed to start by mentioning the Anderson, etc but figure you already figured that out. I often type faster than my lame brain can think!

[Brent Teltow]

Thank you, I will take it off tomorrow, then give an update.

[Scott_Conger]

This sort of thing often goes straight back to the timing lever being cotter-pinned on at the end of the steering column and finally wearing out, allowing an enormous amount of play between going full advance and full retard. There should be ZERO slop in the linkage; the lever should be riveted on and the commutator rod should have a swivel, not the bent up kludged-up metal that pass for rods at many suppliers.

This is the swivel and it is near-certain that you do not have this or the correct rod which it attaches to: https://www.modeltford.com/item/3536.aspx

If I am correct, this is a good time to start to make things right.

[Brent Teltow]

You are absolutely correct, this is a lot of slop in the arm. I will be ordering the swivel tomorrow. Good starting point, thank you.

[Steve Jelf]

Is the swivel necessary for anything other than correctness?
From Lang's catalogue, regarding the later rod:
"Commutator (timer) pull rod, This rod runs from the commutator to the spark rod on the steering column.
This rod is correct for 1921-1925, but can be used on all Model T's from 1909-1925 and all ton trucks."

[TWrenn]

One thing nice about the swivel end, in many times it is all you need to correct your timing. Sure beats the crap out if bending the rod! Thanks Scott for mentioning rod slop, that slipped my mind!