MTFCA Forum

When the TW Timers came out I bought one and was so impressed that I put them on all my cars. They have been very reliable and almost maintenance free. However, the other day I encountered a problem and am wondering if any one else has experienced the same thing and, if so, how they dealt with it.
One of my cars had been in storage for three years but started right up and ran well for about 20 minutes until it died without any warning. No spark! I ran through the usual diagnostics and everything was OK up to the commutator so I removed it but could not find anything amiss. After sleeping on it the next day I removed the TW Timer and replaced it with an Anderson timer that I had on the shelf and the car started right up on the first pull. Inspecting the commutator case and the rotor I realized that the brush had not pop out as the commutator case was removed. Closer inspection revealed that the brush had literally fused to the aluminum housing. I assume there was enough contact to start the car initially but as the brush wore a bit more the contact was lost. When I say the brush was fused I mean it is so tight in the aluminum housing that I can’t move it in or out. What would have caused this and how can I get the brush out without damaging anything. Assuming I can get the brush out are replacements available?

First, you are correct in that the TW timer in my opinion at least is the best out there. Sadly it's no longer made but I myself have taken great effort to "keep it alive" in that I have had 2 runs of replacement brushes made in the past 18 months of both styles. I advertised here for any interest and it was great. I even had custom made brush holders for the round brush. I have 3 left if you need to buy one. $40 plus the ride.

Now per ur issue: about the only thing I can imagine is that sometime or another maybe the ignition was left on for such a length of time so as to literally fuse it together as you've described. This is certainly likely a first.

Only thing I can suggest is to carefully drill out the brush to where there's little material left that you can then pry put or even break it up.

Is it a round or rectangular brush?

Hope this helps. I've tried all the other tiners and none stack up to the performance of the TW in my book anyway!

I'd guess that moisture somehow got into the timer and caused corrosion. It wouldn't take much. Moisture could come from outside or from crank case fumes. Aluminum often corrodes and produces a white crusty substance. Aluminum in contact with any other metal could also allow galvanic corrosion if any trace of moisture is present. A pure carbon brush probably wouldn't do that, but many brushes contain some metallic substances. I have used pickling vinegar to free up a stuck throttle shaft in an aluminum carburetor. Nothing else, including heat, worked, but the 10% vinegar did the trick.

Russ, my ‘13 came equipped with a TW timer when it adopted me eight years ago. I had intended to install a New Day, having had good results with them years ago, but the TW has been so reliable, I’ll stick with it !

Guesses as to why your brush has hung up in the rotor: primary cause is likely the interval it’s not been run. As you know, the rotor is aluminum, and the brush spring and cable are bronze. Perhaps ambient conditions (moisture, contaminants, atmosphere) have conspired to enhance electrolysis that has produced enough corrosion to fuse the brush in the rotor ? Solution, the brush material is soft enough that it can be easily drilled out without harming the rotor.

Vendors used to carry the brushes, but with the passing of Tony Wiltshire, the TW inventor, they are no longer available in the mainstream.

Meanwhile, Tim Wrenn, member of this forum, researched the source of the brushes, and periodically offers a “sign up” on these boards to get enough interested parties to warrant a custom “run”. This keeps the price per each from being prohibitive. The last order was received some months ago, but if you contact him, I’ll be surprised if he can’t help you out.

Good luck, and please let us know how this turns out. Honestly, it’s the first time I’ve heard of a TW failure !

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 28, 2024 11:03 am

I'd guess that moisture somehow got into the timer and caused corrosion. It wouldn't take much. Moisture could come from outside or from crank case fumes. Aluminum often corrodes and produces a white crusty substance. Aluminum in contact with any other metal could also allow galvanic corrosion if any trace of moisture is present. A pure carbon brush probably wouldn't do that, but many brushes contain some metallic substances. I have used pickling vinegar to free up a stuck throttle shaft in an aluminum carburetor. Nothing else, including heat, worked, but the 10% vinegar did the trick.

Actually Pat that was my next guess but I hesitated to say only cause it almost seemed like it wouldn't but then if there's tons of humidity I guess it could do that. Either way drilling or some elixir ought to do it. I forgot also that drizzling old fashioned iodine in it might also do the trick. It works on rusty bolts.

Thanks for the quick replies. The car was stored in an un air conditioned building in Florida so I am guessing that was the problem. I will try vinegar first and drill it out if that doesn’t work. Either way, if the rotor is undamaged, I’ll be in for a replacement brush. This rotor uses the square brush but I think my others are round if I recall.

I've had great success for many miles with a TW/round brush and would recommend it all but for one experience. My '23 began running rough and continued to lose power to the point I stopped to investigate. Upon opening the timer (I was luckiy I was able to catch the flying brush) I found the timer case was contaminated with dust and debris particles from the worn brush and contact surfaces. After a rough cleaning I realized reinstalling the brush is nearly impossible without the all important installation wire. I was able to get back to my shop where I grabbed the wire and was able to get back on the road.

A TW timer must be clean and pristine intrernally to opperate properly. As recommended it is absolutely necessary to replace the cam seal so that no oil can enter the timer. Routine cleaning and inspection should be conducted maybe as often as you lube.

Finally, I have gone back to my Anderson timer. No, it doesn't run as smooth but it is more "user friendly" for those of us who's hands arent what they used to be. I'd take $50.00 for my used TW timer case and aluminum round brush holder. Just PM me.

If you choose the vinegar route, be sure the parts are oil-free and let it soak overnight or longer. I used 10% and it showed no tendency to attack the aluminum.

Gracie'sDad wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 28, 2024 12:30 pm

I've had great success for many miles with a TW/round brush and would recommend it all but for one experience. My '23 began running rough and continued to lose power to the point I stopped to investigate. Upon opening the timer (I was luckiy I was able to catch the flying brush) I found the timer case was contaminated with dust and debris particles from the worn brush and contact surfaces. After a rough cleaning I realized reinstalling the brush is nearly impossible without the all important installation wire. I was able to get back to my shop where I grabbed the wire and was able to get back on the road.

A TW timer must be clean and pristine intrernally to opperate properly. As recommended it is absolutely necessary to replace the cam seal so that no oil can enter the timer. Routine cleaning and inspection should be conducted maybe as often as you lube.

Finally, I have gone back to my Anderson timer. No, it doesn't run as smooth but it is more "user friendly" for those of us who's hands arent what they used to be. I'd take $50.00 for my used TW timer case and aluminum round brush holder. Just PM me.

Sorry to hear you had to "go the other route" and yes actually ANY timer needs regular maintenance if you're gonna have it perform optimally. I actually got good at putting the timer cover back on WITHOUT the wire in the early days before Tony (RIP) devised the little wire thingy.

If no one has spoken for yours I'm interested.

PM email sent to you Val. Thanks

TWrenn wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 28, 2024 4:06 pm

PM email sent to you Val. Thanks

Man I'm cracking up! LOL...Accidentally hit Val up for the timer...it was to be for John...a.k.a. "Gracie's Dad"!!
Check in the mail to John tomorrow!!

To follow up, I tied the Pat’s suggestion and soaked everything in a vinegar bath over night and this morning the brush came out with a gentle tap with a wooden dowel and light hammer. Everything cleaned up nicely and is going back on the car today.