MTFCA Forum

Looking at Tinkering Tips 2 I was reading about Ford timers on page 62. It says on making the gauge to set a Ford timer to have the holes 2 1/4 inches apart center to center. Looking at the picture included it shows 2 1/2 inches center to center. Interesting. That 1/4 inch could be a broken wrist or arm.
How do you identify an original Ford timer? I assume it was of the pressed steel type but did they put a Ford stamp on them? No marked ones in my parts collection.

Typographical error .... Most references puts the center to center measurement at 2.5 inches. Could be best to ask the vendors if their Ford style commutators are made to actual Ford factory specifications .

This is how to identify a Ford timer.

Here is what the Ford Service Bulletins has for a timer gauge.

The timer and roller that I removed from my engine to replace with a New Day Timer had "Ford" stamped on both. These were cleaned and placed under the front seat.
Your timer and roller may be non-Ford replacements.

Tinkering Tips info may be subject to how to tinker for sure.

A good Ford source of the day was Murray Fahnestock, writer for Ford Owner magazines and respected then a good source.

His topic stated Ford standardized the distance from the short bent end of the timer rod that engages the timer shell lug, to the head of the bolt that holds the timer spring. That std. center to center distance is 2 1/2". He stated older Fords with magneto only ignition, the distance was 2 5/8". The change in distance was from the addition of electric start to protect the Bendix from backfiring.

As mentioned, std. distance is only for Ford original style timers.

I’m with Steve. You can over think the timing. I set #1 at Top Dead Center then adjust the rod so the coil buzzes 2-3 notches down. You can go more if you want. The spark lever will pull in more advance than you’ll ever need.


Andy