Magneto timer lubrication

[exeric]

Any advice on lubricating the timer housing on a magneto? I want the adv./ret. timer housing to move freely, and reliably on my Henderson, but it seems to have been designed to have a lot of built in friction from the Bowden cable, bends, and weird routing. I have used Vaseline on the housing but still have some nagging resistance. I've tried to 'free' up every sore spot in the chain of twisties, and rubbies but it still isn't smooth. I have changed to a smaller diameter of wire inside the Bowden cable and that made it a little better but still not smooth. Is there some magic sauce that will make this thing work like a CPU. I know this a very subjective request, but I'm wondering if there is some lubricant that dopes like me don't know about

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[PanheadFred1]

Maybe polish the mating surfaces

[exeric]

Thanks for the reply, PF1. I cleaned the mating areas with fine Scotch brite and then used Vaseline to lubricate. In order to work properly, the dang thing can't be tight, but it can't be loose either. The above picture is of a spare Berling N-44 mag but has the same timer as the N-41 that's on my 1919 Hen. Well, I know what I'll be doing tomorrow

[DEEBS47Chief1991]

Eric, I would use a high temperature grease. Vaseline is not going to hold up to a motorcycle operating temperature.


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[DEEBS47Chief1991]

This is also great stuff.


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[dukekleman]

Exeric,

Here are a few images of what I use for those applications. They have worked very well.
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Quick silver 2-4-C is used on the cable housing, cable, etc.
I use a syringe to inject it into the housing. Then I liberally coat the cable (wire) and install it. I do this multiple times from both ends of the cable housing.

Screenshot_20250813-053342.png
CMD Extreme pressure lube #3 is used in certain high friction areas. It's very tacky so it can add some drag resistance feel, use accordingly.

Hope this helps,

Duke Kleman

[otis71]

Maybe dielectric grease to avoid fouling up the points

[exeric]

Thanks for the great advice, and recommendations from fellow AMCA members. I knew there had to be products out there that are not commonly known, except to people that know what they're doing. Again, thanks. I took a picture of the timer on the 1919 and it's convoluted cable routing. I'm convinced the most interference is in the cable, and the rotating timer housing. I'll try those lubricants shown.

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