HINTS FOR THE MOTORIST

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXV, Issue 12390, 30 July 1937, Page 3 (Supplement)

HINTS FOR THE MOTORIST

m m ALBERT L. CLOUGH

car’s heater one of the simplest aids to more warmth from a hot water heating systesm is to cover a portion of the radiator system. This raises the temperature of the entire heating system, improving the efficiency of the engine as well as that of the heater. The usual remedy for inefficient heating is to install a thermostat which opens at a higher temperature. Preferably this should be an adjustable thermostat rather than one of fixed degree of opening. While such a thermostat helps the heater warm up quicker, nevertheless there is always a marked drop in temperature when it opens up and permits water to circulate into the cold radiator. A more logical solution is to increase the temperature of the entire system by shielding the radiator from an excess of cold air. There are this year some very tailored covers which solve this problem in a way that makes it unnecessary to resort to make-shift covers of cardboard. STEERING CLEAR OF TROUBLE Recently I mentioned the fact that there are twelve general causes for disturbance in a car’s steering. One of my readers has asked me to amplify this by naming the twelve points so that he can reach a decision as to why his car does not steer properly. First of all, there is the steeringgear itself. Inspection of this part should include consideration of its lubrication, and a check-up on the entire steering assembly, including the drag link, pitman arm and tie rod. Then check for loose wheels. Next test the wheels and tyres for baalnce. Follow this with an inspection of the front springs to see that they have not sagged. Then the rear springs should be checked for the same condition. Tightening any loose front shackles completes a half dozen of the points. Soft tyres will affect steering adversely. So will incorrect caster. So will incorrect camber. Inspection of the shock absorbers should come next. Eleventh of the list is the matter of the car’s frame. This may be weak or bent out of line. Finally, consider the action of the brakes. Much steering is done with the car being slowed down or kept in check. Do You Smell Gas? Smell of petrol when travelling along in the car ought to be a tip to check. up the fuel line and carburettor, but most motorists prefer to take the detour of thinking they are picking up exhaust fumes. The exhaust always emits a stench, in addition to the odourless carbon monoxide. It is distinctly different from the familiar smell of petrol. When the odour is definitely petrol the situation calls for an immediate halt. Switch off- the engine, raise the bonnet and give the ‘works’ a scrutiny. Follow the fuel line and the chances are -that there will be leakage either at the fuel pump or at the float chamber of the carburettor. Danger in Slow Clutch One of the detailed dangers in driving, a car is failure to take action against what is known as a “slow” clutch. Such a clutch is one that fails 10, make a resonably quick coupling between engine and real end. It is noticed when the clutch is engaged, with engine well speeded up, without prompt action at the rear wheels. A slow clutch is quite as bad as a stalling engine because it makes for delay in getting atva>. Also it will be very slow in low gear the very gdar combination in which you naturally place the most

confidence. The simplest test for a slow clutch is whether or not you can spin the rear wheels. A gravel driveway is .ideal for thi? test. Engage the clutch faster than usual when the engine is well speeded up and the transmission in low gear. If the rear wheels do not spin and the car lurches forward, the clutch needs attention. Watch This in Stopping It is a strange hut true fact that after making an abrupt stop many drivers forget to set the hand brake. This is particularly true if they are parking in a hurry. The result is that the car may roll ahead after the stop is made, possibly with serious consequences. Nothing makes a driver more conscious of the hand brake than lack of confidence in the service brake. So too much confidence in the latter naturally has a tendency to blind him to the need for the former. Save For Next Winter A sizeable patch of ice under a bridge on one of the' modern motor roads recently served as an interesting and helpful experiment. It was found that many cars crossing this patch of ice skidded. Some of the drivers made the mistake of giving the engine too much petrol so that when the driving wheels struck the ice they started to spin. Others slowed down too rapidly, causing the engine to act as a brake. Even those wlfb tried to apply just the right amount of power to keep their cars going at an even pace found it difficult to avoid a feeling of sliding. The only ones to get across comfortably were those who declutched and thus coasted. Mechanic Joe Speaking: “One of the best devices to use as a means of keeping the engine’s oil in better condition is a five mile extra run with the car just as often as you can arrange it. This run should preferably be where the car can be driven at road speed and up a stiff gradient. 1 The effect is to heat up the oil, thus burning off diluent. Especially if the car has been making short runs this extra five-mile spin will offset the bad efforts of excessive choking and low operating temperatures. Asked and Answered Q. My car gives me only twelve miles to the gallon of petrol when on the road, and only ten miles per gallon in city driving. Would a new carburettor improve mileage?—Mrs W. H. W. A. I am going to answer this by asking a question. I should like to know whether this owner previously complained to the service people that the engine knocked on hills or during sharp ’ acceleration. If she did, the chances are that they advised her to use anti-knock spirit. If she didn’t take their advice, then possibly they did the next tfest thing by retarding the spark. This will check the knock but will also rob the engine of performance and cause lower mileage per gallon. Q. Since haying the valves ground my engine seems to be using too much oil. I was very careful not to let any of the'grinding compound drop into the 1 cylinders.—-J. J. B. A. When will owners stop trying to do this sort of work? -It can be done so much more expertly by mechanics who use the latest improved equipment. However, to answer J. J. B.’s question I believe that the increased oil consumption is due to failure to leave enough clearance at the tappets. When the engine heats up some of the valves do not close tightly. This permits oil to suck up past the pistons.