BEST FROM THE ENGINE

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 112, 17 November 1928, Page 26

BEST FROM THE ENGINE

ADVICE TO THE NOVICE Tho engine being the heart of the' ear, the novico driver should devote at tuition to it. Ho should avoid the very common driving fault whereby the engine is kept running with tho highest gear in servico while every effort is made lo keep tho crankshaft turning at high power but slow revolutions without "pinking." Generally this means that the accelerator pedal is pros.sod down to the limit and tho ignition is retarded farther and yet farther to prevent "knocking." There is no more crude or unscientific method of driving. Nothing like full efficiency is obtained from tho petrol so burned. The retarded ignition does not fire tho gas until tho piston is a considerable way on tho downstroke, hence there is loss of efficiency altogether apart from that occasioned by incomplete combustion owing to tho unsuitable proportions of the mixture. Further, to occasion terrifically heavy explosions at slow revolutions is to put the maximum strain on tho crankshaft, pistons, big ends, and other gear. The way to drive.a car to get pleasure out of it, together with the best performance, is to burn as much spark and as little petrol as possible. Thus , the engine ought to be run with the spark advanced as far as possible and with tho throttle pedal depressed as little as possible. If this is dono it very often will be discovered that it is I not possible to get a car to progress on the top gear without "pinking." That is really the most reliable information obtainable as to when a lower gear should be used. Gears are furnished to be used. Experience will soon enable the beginner to foreknow | the "pinking" point on Ma particular | power plant.