MTFCA Forum

That's an Anderson (ANCO) which is a very reliable timer. Just a wipe with a rag and a very small amount of white grease on the contacts and flapper is all I do. Usually goes a thousand miles or so before it needs cleaning again. It is probably the only place I ever use white grease...

Like everything in life, if you look closely enough at something, there will be something to pick apart and if that is the case, this timer is probably the most prone to inter-cylinder mis-timing than any other out there. They can be fiddled with and "tuned" for very accurate firing but I have frankly never had one that made me want to mess with it...put a good one on and maybe never replace it...

there is no need for a ground wire with respect to anything on the timer...if you meant the battery, then I misunderstood...

welcome to the hobby

Looks like ANCO (one of the best)

Will,
Here is an old thread discussing Anderson Timers. The original post was written by Terry Horlick who appears to be from your neck of the woods.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/59 ... 1471968028

The ground wire may not be original to the timer. It is not needed, since the coil current is grounded through the timer rotor and the engine camshaft when the timer contacts are closed. It is important that the wiring and terminal connections to the timer be in good condition. Worn insulation and frayed copper wire conductors at the terminals will degrade engine performance.

I'd leave the seal alone if it looks all right. Slight oil leakage will not harm the timer.

Will, post more photos of your Roadster pickup. I'm sure that I am not the only one who would like to see it.

I would replace that wire loom. The insulation is damaged. When the bare wire touches ground you get a back fire which can damage your starter or your arm if hand cranking.

Stephen

The Anderson timer is correctly timed when it is manufactured. Be careful not to loosen the studs closest nut to the body of the timer and they will stay in time. It is my second choice to the original New Day. Those New day are the one with the brown cap. I understand that maybe the latest version of New Day is good too.
Norm

Am I correct in noting that white lithium grease is conductive, so is not suitable to use on roller type Model T timers, since the four contacts are mounted on a continuous track inside the cup that may allow the grease to connect the contacts by spreading across the spaces between the contacts causing the contacts to all fire at once?

Of course on the Anderson timer featured in this thread, using white lithium grease is okay because there is a clear space between each contact that will not enable the grease to span the space between the contacts. I use Vaseline in many lubricating applications on my T. It is clean and non-conductive. Jim Patrick

As requested here are some pics
It was built by Vic Groah some 25 years ago