New Day Timer - Looking for tips and tricks

[Matt in California]

I have been using a New Day Timer for a while now. I recently found an issue, now it runs much better. I would love to hear the experience of others using New Day Timers. Especially tips and tricks. Here is a video that I made fixing it: https://youtu.be/01v1ENa2514?si=q0u6TRagbb8e_lck

Matt

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Just search this forum. There has been tons of great ND Timer information shared in the past.

[TXGOAT2]

(1) Don't oil a New Day. (2) Make sure your coils are in good condition and properly adjusted. (3) Spark advance link adjustment may need to be changed.

[Original Smith]

Get a better spring. Perhaps stretching the old one.

[Oldav8tor]

I got one brush with a weak spring like that from Tip-Top-Timers.....they were surprised when I reported it. It was the first time the engine had been run and the problem developed very quickly. I was a newbie and didn't pay a lot of attention to the brush when I installed it. They sent me a new spring which solved the problem. I don't know if the weak one shipped that way or collapsed in use... hasn't happened since in 13000 miles.

[speedytinc]

The spring becomes the power conduit. Especially when the brush gets oily & can lose its conductivity to the brush holder.
The spring becomes a heating element & loses its temper.

The timer must run dry. The cam must be sealed with a lip seal to keep ALL the oil out.

I lose the copper or brass brush & make a MUCH better fitting brush from a carbon brush. A T generator brush works well.
Yes, it wears faster, but wont damage the timer face.

If you want to bomb proof the brush unit, make the brush from a brush with the woven copper wire still attached or add one in a more convenient spot on the brush. Solder/attach the other end to the brush holder body. This way power never conducts thru the spring.

[Allan]

My son does as John suggests. He uses used brushes with fixed copper wire leads, and grinds them to shape to snugly fit in the New Day brush holder. The cooper wire is soldered to the brush holder body. Replacement springs come form ballpoint pens.

Allan from down under.

[Matt in California]

John and Allan,
That is exactly the type of tips I was looking for! I agree that the spring likely overheated due to a loose brush and excessive oil. The idea of the replacement brush using the copper wire and spring from a ballpoint pen is an excellent idea, that I plan to try. I wonder why no one is producing a brush for these similar to the TW timer.

These are great improvements to the brush. Any other suggestions out there?

Matt

[Scott_Conger]

John

that's an excellent idea, and FWIW, the attached woven copper wire is called a "shunt" if one was looking for such a brush in a catalog.

[Matt in California]

I used Jerry's advice to search the forum. After reading a few pages I decided to narrow down the results using Chat GPT.

Practical Tips & Tricks for Using a New Day Timer

Installation & Setup

• Run it dry — no oil or grease inside the timer.
Multiple members have emphasized keeping the New Day timer clean and dry. Lubricants attract dirt and can lead to poor contact.
Related discussion:
Lubrication
discussion – New Day Timer

• Inspect all wiring carefully.
Make sure the timer wire isn’t rubbing on the block or spark rod. Many ignition problems turn out to be wiring issues.
Related discussion:
Ignition
troubleshooting thread

• Check brush fit and spring tension.
You want firm, consistent brush contact with the copper track. Too light = misses. Too heavy = excess wear.
Related discussion:
Brush
contact and timer noise discussion

• Camshaft seating and alignment matter.
Ensure the timer seats squarely on the cam and that the cam nut isn’t causing side pressure or misalignment. Squeaks or chirps under load have been discussed in connection with this.
Related discussion:
Timer
alignment discussion

During Operation

• Tight spark advance linkage.
Slop in the spark control rod makes timing feel vague and inconsistent.
Related discussion:
Spark
control rod adjustment discussion

• Check coils before blaming the timer.
Many times coil adjustment or weak coils are the true cause of misses.
Related discussion:
Coil
vs. timer troubleshooting

• Inspect and clean if intermittent missing occurs.
Remove the timer and check for dust buildup or uneven brush wear before assuming internal failure.
Related discussion:
Cleaning
and maintenance thread

Maintenance & Longevity

• Periodic cleaning is usually sufficient.
Routine inspection of brush and contact track helps prevent issues.
Related discussion:
General
New Day maintenance discussion

• Originals vs. reproductions.
Some members report that original brown bakelite New Day timers tend to fit and last better than some reproductions.
Related discussion:
Original
vs reproduction timer discussion

Common Lessons Reported

Most success stories with the New Day timer involve:

• Running it clean and dry
• Properly adjusted coils
• Good brush tension
• Minimal linkage slop
• Sound wiring