Dishwasher timer sparking, throwing circuit breaker

This dishwasher is about 30 years old and works great. Recently it started throwing the circuit breaker when it cycled to drain the water. I replaced the circuit breaker and it runs fine now. However, when pulling the timer knob out it sparks. Sears has been out twice to look at it and that’s all they did, is LOOK at IT. I can’t find a replacement timer since they don’t make them anymore. Can I cut the power, pull out the electronics and do anything to keep this working?