I am using 20wt oil in the front axle oilers but am unsure if this same oil is ok in the commutator. The service book says any fine oil but doesn't specify beyond that. Any suggestions?
Some use 20W or 30W oil, and some use grease. One guy packs it full of grease, and it works for him. For the axle oilers, some use chain saw oil because it lasts longer than motor oil.
I use a dab of STP in my New Day timer. A mixture of grease and a little STP would work well in a roller timer.
What kind of commutator Harvey?
the timer appears to be a Ford type roller timer with the flip up oiler in the front. Harv.
The Ford roller timers work best from my experience if you pack them with a good brand of non metallic wheel bearing grease. I can go more than 1000 miles without having to do anything else. I see no signs of wear between servicing. The cars run great. Click here for a brief tutorial on timer maintenance:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/193779.html
Original manuals tell you to pack the timer with Vaseline, then add oil through the flip up oiler every time you get gas. I don't think it matters what kind of oil particularly, so long as it is petroleum motor oil and not something odd like canola oil or coconut sun tan oil.
The best rollers and timers to use are old original ones. I prefer the cast aluminum or cast iron variety. Look for Ford Script on the rollers for best quality. I generally can buy the rollers at $1 apiece and timers for $5 apiece at Chickasha or on eBay.
The late Howard Cascia used to make some fabulous reproduction timers. Wish he was still around!
I have heard great things about Tony Wiltshire's new reproduction timers but have not tried one personally. I have used the original type that Tony reproduced, again packed with grease, with great success. Here's the commutator brush that is used in that original Ford style of timer:
Ford Service Bulletin on the subject:
Brush compared with Ford late model roller:
Thanks to all. What a wealth of information club members have, and are willing to share. Harv.