MOTORS AND MOTORING

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 21, 19 October 1917, Page 9

MOTORS AND MOTORING

(By "Clutch.")

Motor-Cycle Engine Cooling, How to maintain a comparatively low temperature in tho olivine without the complication of water-cooling is n problem that has not yet been solved by motor-cycle manufacturers or designers. A British motorist, however, submits the suggestion that the engine might bo internally cooled by drawing all the air for the carburettor through the crankcaso. By this means a supply of cool air could be induced into the crankehamber during every cycle of operations, and so assist in cooling the oil, and also the big end and other working pai-ts of tho cngino. If the internal parts of the engine could bo kept at a reasonably low temperature, there would be an immense saving in lubricating oil, as it would maintain its viscidity for a much longer period, and would therefore prove a more efficient lubricant. Amongst t'ne advantages claimed for this method of cooling are the following:— 1. The cool rush of air is beneficial in various ways, as already mentioned. 2. The heat of the interior of the crank-case would havo a useful effect in warming tho aiv on its way to tho carburetter, and so assisting considerably the vaporisation of heavy spirits whieh are tho rule nowadays.

3. A certain amount of oil fog would be drawn into tho engine, which, is not without its use.

4. The descending piston, during the suction stroke, acts to some extent as a pump, and assists in forcing a full charge into the engine. 5. Though the formation of carbon on the piston and cylinder-head is mainly due to burnt oil, a certain amount has been proved to bo foreign matter introduced via the carburetter. The fact that carbonaceous matter does not form on tho piston and cylinder of water-cooled engines nearly eo readily as on air-cooled engines indicates that wo havo much to make good before- the approach the perfection of car-engine design. There are also somo disadvantages, and the outstanding objection is that in drawing air through the crank-case there is the possibility of introducing a certain, amount of grit and dust, which would have a very deleterious effect upon the bearings, and might possibly ficovo the cylinder-walls; consequently, it would be imperative .to design some arrangement by which all foreign matter could bo prevented from entering tho crankchamber. It is suggested that the alt be drawn through some substance such as glasswool or felt, or even filtered through water, when all foreign matter would be arrested. It is further pointed out that the intake for tho air should be located as far from the ground as is conveniently possible—from tho top of tho tank, for example—in order to get away from tho eddies of dust that are so common in tho region of the engine. Many troubles would disappear if overheating in tho engine could bo prevented; it is one of the failings of the motor-' i cycle. •

Care of Springs. >■ If the average car-owner would only bear in mind how important it is to keep tho springs lubricated, many mysterious squeaks would disappear, to say nothing of the easier riding of tho car and .tho increaso in thosmileage of the fuel. If the springs aro rusty and dry the leaves stick together, and overy time the car strikes, a bump the engine has to lift the'entire, weight of tho oar in goiDg over it. This means more work for tho engine, and consequently moro consumption of petrol. If, on the other hand, the springs are kept well oiled, the body of tho car will bo caT»ied along in a horizontal lino with very little vertical action, becauso the spring leaves take care of. this by properly sliding upon ono another. In other words, the spring action ,is so free and rapid that the body literally floats along.' Tho joints of the links connecting the springs to tho framo should' also receive proper oiling frequently. When doing this it gives the ownor a chanco to inspect the nuts on.tho spring clips which have a tendency sometimes to work loose. Thoso nuts must by all means bo kept tight, for otherwiso tho wholo strain comes upon tho bolt which holds tho spring together at the centre.

Hero and There. Spain is tho only country in Europe where motor-racing has taken place this year, but it now is doubtful if the full programme will be gono through.

The wearing qualities of chains on motor-cycles, when enclosed in. a dustproof and oil-tight case, are enhanced 100 per cent. &omo chains which havo been in use over 10,000 and even 12,000 miles aro still in service.

Bicycles used by tho British authorities at the front aro fitted with freewheel hubs, "pull up" front and. rear brakes, and 2S-inch by If-inch tyres.

• Until very recent yea.ro, says an Australian writer, the motor-cycles built in Great Britain were best 6uited to the excellent roads of ihe United Kingdom, and many of tho models, oven of firstclass makes, proved to be deficient in many ways and unable to withstand tho road conditions of tho oversea, Dominions. Demands reached tho manufacturers for more efficient mounts as we required them—spring frames, larger wheels, stronger spokes and rims, with provision for larger tyres, increased mudguard and ground clearance, and weath-er-proof magnetos and transmission systems. The demands of warfaro have done more in' the direction of evolving the truly universal motor-cycle than could have been by a decade of grumbling from riders in. tho distant parts of tho Empire, for manufacturers were not disposed to ontertain seriously the suggestion or demands made by motor-cyclists in new countries. But not having experienced travelling conditions in, say Australia, how could the makers appreciate tho type of machine needed for our roads and trash tracks? •

A motor-car traffic census was recently taken at tho Public Library' on Fifth Avenue, New York, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. During that period 16,960 motor vehicles were counted, or an average of 28 cars a minute for the ten hours of tho check.

A Wigan (Great Britain) resident hired a car for his wedding, and, the garngo proprietor subsequently was summoned "for hiring out a car for pleasure" There are approximately 3500 motorists in tho island of Ceylon, of whom some 900 are members of tho Automobile Club of Ceylon. Lighting-up time:—To-day, 6.15 p.m. Next Friday, 6.23 p.m.