DRAINING THE SUMP

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 75, 21 December 1928, Page 17

DRAINING THE SUMP

SOME POINTS TO WATCH A motor owner may find that, when he drains his sump, lie regularly gets more oil out of it than he puts into it. He may be right to this extent —he gets more stuff of some kind out of the sump than be ever put into it, but what stuff? The bulk is increased by water, petrol, road-dust, carbon and metal particles—all bad lubricants. Continued use of such stale, foul, diluted mixture in the sump costs much more in the end than new oil at frequent intervals. It is best to do this draining half an hour after coming in from a run, when the engine is still hot, and the oil has had time to drain down from all the parts. luthoritative engineers state that on no account should kerosene be used for flushing out. _ It is little realised how much of this can be trapped and retained in modern lubricating systems, especially where trays and troughs are fitted to hold oil in which the big ends splash. Any kerosene so retained dilutes the fresh oil, and is thoroughly undesirable. If internal cleaning.be thought necessary (though this is seldom the case, except during overhaul), remove the bottom

half of the crankcase and clean thoroughly. If this cannot be done, and flushing out is needd, a little thin oil may be used for the purpose.

Oil filters should be removed and. cleaned whenever the sump is drained. When the filter gets choked, the pump is unable to circulate a sufficient quantity of oil, and whilst actual bearing failure may not result, nevertheless, a high rate of cylinder wear occurs. Always keep an eye on oil pressure indicator, but do not attach too much importance to the degree of pressure, especially with pump and splash systems. If there is constant pressure, the oil is cumulating properly, and unless the pressure is very much below that quoted by the makers of the car, there is no cause for alarm.

A good driver seldom slips his cluth. such a procedure not really being necessary, while by no means does it constitute good driving practice. Undue wear on the friction surfaces takes place, and it is not unlikely that the material may be burnt out after prolonged slipping. To all motorists “Spare Wheel” wishes the compliments of the season. May tliey have good weather for their holiday tours, and may they have entire freedom from punctures, blowouts, and break-downs.