Timer problems

[Ambitious Intentions]

As with most growers, ive experienced problems with timers failing to switch off.The cause of that annoying little problem is the microswitch sticking,especially on the 18/6 cycle. Well,I idecided to try to fix the problem once and for all. What I did was drill a hole about a millimetre wide and put 3in 1 oil inside. I dont have that problem of sticking anymore. Be careful not to over oil it as it may screw it up. Hope that helps.

 

[BWC BayArea]

Can u post a pic? I have no clue where on the device or even what type of timer you're referring to. Thanks for the info. In this economy any $ saving tip is a good tip.

 

[New2Growing91]

Great idea. How did you find out where the switch was?

 

[Ambitious Intentions]

The timer microswitch is easy to spot once you open it up.Its a little box,usually black in colour,with a white bit sticking out of the side. A lever presses against this to make contact. I havent installed kodac share on my PC yet so cant post pic. I will do so soon as I can,with a clear view of what you need to see. The timers are standard type,not digital. The reason I bothered to find a solution is because im pissed off of buying things at the prices they ask.

 

[BWC BayArea]

I meant to ask were ur contacts black or dark at all once u opened it up? I've heard or contacts fused together because the load was too much for the timer.

 

[Captain Kronic]

IMO... if I had a timer... any timer that started not working perfectly... I would shite can it ASAP!
The thing is, I have way too much riding on a $20 or so dollar timer to risk that it will keep working right once I have messed w/it!

Good on ya though for coming up w/a fix that would carry ya through till another can be obtained... +rep for the OP!

PS... looking forward to seeing those pics... knowledge is power and... none of us knows more than all of us!

 

[Ambitious Intentions]

I didnt open up the microswitch itself,but drilled a small hole for the oil. I guess it dries up after a while and causes it to stick. If you do open the switch you`ll damage it.