I am wondering what the deal is with the new carbon brush timer, i have three timers i have tried, an old New day, and Anderson style, and the TW carbon brush, i don't see or feel any difference in the three of them, so whats the big deal?
Rick
Rick, as a practical matter there shouldn't be much difference. If there is a difference in any of those timers it will be the length of serviceable use.
First it's a take on an original design that Ford used for a short time. The carbon brush (which is replaceable) should wear the contacts in the shell less and slower.
There are only so many of the original New Day timers out there and the ones in use can only be cleaned up so many times before the contacts in the case are too thin to use.
Of the three popular types; roller, brush and flapper each has it own camp followers and as long as the engine is timed correctly and the timers assembly is in good shape they should work about the same for the average joe.
Agree with Mike - working properly and in good condition they all do exactly the same thing. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
Any time you swap timer brands or types you need to be sure to set the timing properly by checking where the timer is positioned to achieve the spark event at the proper AFTER TDC position. Otherwise you can destroy the starter bendix or have the engine kick back while hand cranking and cause physical damage to your arms or hands. There is a dramatic difference in the length of the timer rod needed between the New Day and the ANCO for example.