THE TIMER
The spring that keeps the revolving part of a timer in contact with the stationary part must be of sufficient strength to squeeze out the vaseline with which the timer is packed, as otherwise the grease will form an insulating film between them, preventing the flow of the current. The timer must be securely attached to its shaft, for if it is loose the contacts will be made at the wrong time, and the sparks will not occur in the combustion space at the correct intervals. All of its parts and connections should be as firm as possible. The rods with which the stationary part is connected to the control lever on the steering column should be provided with adjustments by which lost motion due to wear may be taken up. There are usually several joints in these rods, all of which may wear loose, and if there are no means by which they may be kept tight, the lever will move a considerable distance before the timer will respond. It is often possible to remedy this by placing coil springs in such positions that they take up the lost motion. A timer should be so set on the half-time shaft that the revolving contact is just touching the stationary contact when the piston is at its highest point in the cylinder on the compression stroke, the control lever being in nearly its most retarded position.
As dirt will interfere with the action of a timer, the cover should always be in place and tightly secured.