MTFCA Forum

I fit my New Day timer to the engine today and have a question: How easily should the timer rotate? Do you adjust the ease of turning by bending the piece of steel flat stock that holds the timer in place?

Snug. Don’t let the timer case ride loose. Normally the lever advantage of the spark rod and timer rod provides the power to rotate.

But if so stiff, like more than fan blade tug on properly adjusted fan belt, then you can bend that timer spring (flat steel spring) to reduce tension.

One of my new day timers was hard to turn when seated. It was tight like it was too big around. Sanded outside edge till it was easy to turn by hand. Make sure there is no rust or dirt in cam cover where timer seats.

I have 2 T’s that have New Day timers and have also wondered about getting them to tight. Don’t know if it helps or not but I use a little grease on the dimple of the timer holder or maybe it’s called a spring. Using a lube on the edge of the timer helps also.

In a similar New Day question ... how strong should the spring be in the brush assembly. I assume it has to be strong enough for good contact for higher speeds but not too much pressure that wears a groove in the contacts. I’m using my first New Day and find the contacts need cleaning about every 300 miles.

Dallas is on to something. Comparing an original New Day timer to a reproduction from Tip Top Timers I noticed the edge or the original was smooth whereas the repop had tiny serrations, probably from manufacturing. I laid a piece of 400 grit sandpaper on a flat surface and spun the timer cover around a few times, smoothing the edge. It turns easier now. I'll wait until the steering shaft is reinstalled and the spark lever hooked up before messing with the "spring." Thanks for all the info.

The timer tension springs are set at the factory. You don't need to do a thing. I have no knowledge on the new New Day timers, as I have dozens of good old originals. I wouldn't mess with it, however, before you connect the tension spring, I would rotate the time in the front cover to see how it feels.