The Ford Barn

FlatheadTed · 07-26-2014, 12:59 AM

What type of oil should be used I notice the old timer I am helping is using used engine oil and It looks to be a insulator to me for the timer .

dumb person · 07-26-2014, 02:34 AM

i believe it was recommended to use clean motor oil (about 10w-30 these days?) and to wipe out the old oil with a rag every 50 miles, or it might have been apply a few drops of oil and wipe out old oil with rag every 200 miles. Or daily, daily sounds about right.

FlatheadTed · 07-26-2014, 12:41 PM

Thanks Dumb ,I looked at one of the books and it said 3 in one oil ,I wonder how much better this would be ,I think any oil that has a higher viscosity would allow the roller to ride on a film of oil and run rough or start missing at speed and possibly cause hard starting ,Has any one tried another oil such as auto trans fluid .

redmodelt · 07-26-2014, 08:56 PM

Don't think along those lines, heck some pack the timer (roller type) with grease and lord knows enough leaks past the seal anyway!

There is plenty of metal to metal contact even with grease or oil. Just keep it wiped out and fresh oil or grease and it'll be happy.
Just DO NOT any oil or grease that contains graphite of any kind, if that type is used, yes you will have running problems.

FlatheadTed · 07-27-2014, 02:00 AM

Ok Thanks all Ted

Tom RSA · 07-27-2014, 06:55 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have converted the roller on my 1914 and 1923 by replacing it with 2 sealed ball bearings of the same outer diameter as the original roller. I have covered thousands of miles without problems. Much less wear on the housing and does not require frequent oiling or cleaning.

FlatheadTed · 07-29-2014, 02:12 PM

OK good one Tom ,The same mod crossed my mind briefly ,it obviously works

dumb person · 07-30-2014, 04:25 AM

i heard the roller bearings get pitted if the capacitors in the coils get old & die, but the points in the coils would be arcing and burning like crazy too.

07-26-2014, 12:59 AM	#1
FlatheadTed Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auckland Posts: 4,745	Ingnition roller What type of oil should be used I notice the old timer I am helping is using used engine oil and It looks to be a insulator to me for the timer . __________________ http://www.flatheadted.com Flathead Ted brake Floaters ,

07-26-2014, 02:34 AM	#2
dumb person Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South pacific island Posts: 1,724	Re: Ingnition roller i believe it was recommended to use clean motor oil (about 10w-30 these days?) and to wipe out the old oil with a rag every 50 miles, or it might have been apply a few drops of oil and wipe out old oil with rag every 200 miles. Or daily, daily sounds about right. __________________ <Link> This is how we roll<Link> "I'm Convinced that no one really reads posts anymore; they just fabricate what they think the post says then ramble on about red herrings."--Bob Outcasts rules of old cars #1 Fun is imperative, mainstream is overrated #2 If they think it is impossible, prove them wrong #3 If the science says it impossible you are not being creative enough. #4 No shame in recreating something you never had #5 If it were not for the law & physics you would be unstoppable

07-26-2014, 12:41 PM	#3
FlatheadTed Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auckland Posts: 4,745	Re: Ingnition roller Thanks Dumb ,I looked at one of the books and it said 3 in one oil ,I wonder how much better this would be ,I think any oil that has a higher viscosity would allow the roller to ride on a film of oil and run rough or start missing at speed and possibly cause hard starting ,Has any one tried another oil such as auto trans fluid . __________________ http://www.flatheadted.com Flathead Ted brake Floaters ,

07-26-2014, 08:56 PM	#4
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,410	Re: Ingnition roller Don't think along those lines, heck some pack the timer (roller type) with grease and lord knows enough leaks past the seal anyway! There is plenty of metal to metal contact even with grease or oil. Just keep it wiped out and fresh oil or grease and it'll be happy. Just DO NOT any oil or grease that contains graphite of any kind, if that type is used, yes you will have running problems.

07-27-2014, 02:00 AM	#5
FlatheadTed Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auckland Posts: 4,745	Re: Ingnition roller Ok Thanks all Ted __________________ http://www.flatheadted.com Flathead Ted brake Floaters ,

07-27-2014, 06:55 AM	#6
Tom RSA Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: East London, South Africa Posts: 16	Re: Ingnition roller Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have converted the roller on my 1914 and 1923 by replacing it with 2 sealed ball bearings of the same outer diameter as the original roller. I have covered thousands of miles without problems. Much less wear on the housing and does not require frequent oiling or cleaning.

07-29-2014, 02:12 PM	#7
FlatheadTed Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auckland Posts: 4,745	Re: Ingnition roller OK good one Tom ,The same mod crossed my mind briefly ,it obviously works __________________ http://www.flatheadted.com Flathead Ted brake Floaters ,

07-30-2014, 04:25 AM	#8
dumb person Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South pacific island Posts: 1,724	Re: Ingnition roller i heard the roller bearings get pitted if the capacitors in the coils get old & die, but the points in the coils would be arcing and burning like crazy too. __________________ <Link> This is how we roll<Link> "I'm Convinced that no one really reads posts anymore; they just fabricate what they think the post says then ramble on about red herrings."--Bob Outcasts rules of old cars #1 Fun is imperative, mainstream is overrated #2 If they think it is impossible, prove them wrong #3 If the science says it impossible you are not being creative enough. #4 No shame in recreating something you never had #5 If it were not for the law & physics you would be unstoppable