Lubricating Original roller type timer

[jiminbartow]

As I mentioned in another thread, I am going back to the original type roller timer. It has been so long since I used one, I forgot how best to lubricate one. Over the years, I have read methods going from one extreme to another. Everything from using 3 in One oil to packing the housing with Vaseline. Those of you who have used, or are using an original roller type timer, how did, or how are you lubricating it? Thank you, Jim Patrick


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[TWrenn]

Seems I recall Royce Peterson saying to pack it in red grease, never could figure out how then it would transmit the juice with all that on the contacts, but it must work. I think Ford said oil every so many miles, like every 200? Have to look it up.

[TXGOAT2]

Ford recommended frequent, even daily oiling. That would have meant a quality 20W non detergent oil. I don't think detergent oil would cause any problems, and it might be a better choice. Personally, I'd be inclined to use Marvel Mystery Oil or perhaps Type F ATF. Ford pointed out that the roller spins very fast on its shaft, and that would suggest to me that a light bodied oil is needed. I would think that grease would interfere with the roller contacting the segments, but that does not seem to be the case, based on the experience of others. What is certain is that timers do not like dirty lubricant, and frequent oiling would lend itself to washing out the timer assembly with frequent applications of fresh oil.

[Steve Jelf]

Yes, the timer and the fan are the only lube points where the Ford lube chart specifies 200 miles for oiling or greasing. That's a reason I run a New Day.

[MichaelPawelek]

I tried the packed “red” grease approach on a brand new unit and the engine ran terribly. Cleaned the unit up and just add 4/5 drops of oil every 100 miles or so and it runs perfectly.

Be sure to re-time the spark to match the roller timer system……

[Humblej]

Its not just a matter of oiling, the gunk needs to be wiped out of it from time to time. I put in about a teaspoon of engine oil thru the flip top oiler whenever I remember and remove timer and wipe out the gunk a couple of times a driving season.

[A Whiteman]

Regular cleaning out of gunk seems to be the most attention needed in my Roadster, aside from the drop of oil or two.

[TXGOAT2]

Does the timer have any kind of drain hole in the bottom of the shell?

[Stephen_heatherly]

I just give mine a shot of engine oil about once a week. I drive my car every day. I pull the timer and wash it out with gas or carb cleaner once every few months.

Stephen

[TWrenn]

Does the timer have any kind of drain hole in the bottom of the shell?

No

[John Codman]

Yes, the timer and the fan are the only lube points where the Ford lube chart specifies 200 miles for oiling or greasing. That's a reason I run a New Day.

My T doesn't see a lot of miles. I have an original-style roller timer, so every couple of months I have to put a few drops of oil into it. It's such a chore...

[Alan Long]

With RHD Vehicles the Oiler and Lever are on the bottom so we’re unable to just put a few squirts in easily.
Some drill and add a Oil flip Cap to the top but I choose to drop the cover, wipe out the gunk (paste) and re oil
I use either Auto trans Fluid or 20W50 the same oil as I run in the Engine and plenty of it.
December and June is my routine for servicing Timers in my garage
Alan in West Australia

[Steve Jelf]

It's such a chore...

What a bummer!

[Alan Long]

I know Steve but I love it!
Alan

[jiminbartow]

Do you think a thin layer of Vaseline mixed with 3 in One oil would be a good, non conductive lubricator? I mixed a batch Vaseline and 3 in One oil so that it is like a clean thin grease almost thin enough to run, but still thick enough to stay in place and am thinking about coating the roller and wiping a 1/16” layer around the inside contact ring. Jim Patrick

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Do you think a thin layer of Vaseline mixed with 3 in One oil would be a good, non conductive lubricator? I mixed a batch Vaseline and 3 in One oil so that it is like a clean thin grease almost thin enough to run, but still thick enough to stay in place and am thinking about coating the roller and wiping a 1/16” layer around the inside contact ring. Jim Patrick

Jim,

3-in-1 oil is useless. It dries up, leaving a sticky parafin wax behind. Try putting a drop of it on a non-pourous surface. Leave it sit for a long while, then check on it. It will have dried up... gone. Use engine oil if anything.

[TXGOAT2]

One critical part of the Ford type timer is the small shaft upon which the roller turns. The roller spins very fast and it needs lubrication. Electric current also passes between the shaft and the roller whenever the coil primary circuit is complete. That suggests to me that the use of a light oil is best, with frequent applications. Light oil is less likely to interfere with the electrical contacts and will provide lubrication and some washing effect to help keep the contact surfaces clean. I believe that the make-and-break arcing that occurs at the contacts contributes the the "gunk" that accumulates in timers during use, and that proper coil adjustment would reduce it to a minimum.

[TXGOAT2]

A 10W straight mineral oil might be a good choice for a Ford type timer. Less additives might reduce "gunk".

[Art M]

Does anyone have experience with using synthetic motor to lube the roller timer. Thought I would ask before trying.

Art Mirtes