THE GREASE GUN

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LIII, Issue 13, 16 February 1932, Page 2

THE GREASE GUN

WORTH WHILE ACCESSORY.

We have all heard of the schoolboy who wrote as a definition of salt that "it is the stuff which makes potatoes jtaste very nasty when you don't put jit in." Similarly, states an article in j The Morris Owner, we might describe | the oilgun as the thing which wears out the car if it isn't used. Indeed, it is not too much to say Jhat upon the correct and frequent use of the j oilgun the long life of the chassis components almost entirely depends.

Among the dilatory there is a tendency sometimes to neglect the less accessible lubrication points. This does not apply to the latest models so much, but on earlier models it is no uncommon thing to find that while the steering pin, springs and other accessible components receive a proper share of attention, items such as bcake-rods and the steering connexions are in a very sad state of neglect. Each and Every One. It cannot too earnestly be stressed that every oiling nipple in the chassis is there for a specific purpose; if it is neglected then that section of the chassis which is its raison d'etre must suffer accordingly. All nipples should have attention from the oilgun at least once a week, or every 250 miles, whichever is the sooner. Not only does the frequent application of the oilgun ensure that each bearing is getting its requisite quantity of lubricant, but it also ensures that any grit which may tend to work inward is forced out.

It will readily be realised in this connexion that the steering is particularly vulnerable to grit, and as it is in constant movement all the time the car is in motion, more or less, dust and grit when once they get past the external film which is squeezed out from between the bearings can gradually grind the metal away. If, however, we make frequent use of the oilgun, we ensure that grit, never finds its way inward, as we are constantly pushing a supply of oil forward, and taking with it any alien matter in its path.

Indeed, while we would not say that it= is essential, it is quite a good idea to apply the gun to the steering pin nipples whenever the car has had an unduly strenuous run, such as a long journey in a storm, or conversely over very dry sandy roads. It is lalso a good idea, say, once a month, to jack up the front wheels while the oilgun is applied, and force through a generous supply. This takes the weight of the car off the oil film normally under compression that ensures that it gets in between tho thrust faces.

Frequent oiling up will also have its reward in the ease of operation. When we apply the gun once a week, as advised, we definitely preclude the possibility of oil congealing and, in combination with pieces of grit, stop-, ping up the oilers. It is not too much to say that whenever we experience the exasperation of a choked nipple, it is because we have been lazy in the matter of the oilgun.

When, as frequently happens, we do experience a choked nipple, it should on no account be neglected. It should immediately be detached with a spanner and the little ball which will be found pressed on its seating, pushed in with a pin or match-stick, ! although in the latter event we must ! take great care that we do not leave a splinter behind as the nucleus of another stoppage. Provided lubrication is regular and the correct consistency of oil —gear oil—is used, the chances of obstruction are most unlikely.

It is scarcely necessary to mention that the nipples exposed to mud unduly are likely to get a coating over them, and it seems almost superfluous to say that this coating of mud should be removed before the oilgun is applied. But as we have seen several owners placing the gun on mudcaked nipples, we make no apologies jfor touching upon it. Obviously, if there is grit at the

apex of the nipple, and we force in a charge of oil, we are almost certain to send a tiny particle of grit with it, which may easily cause a stoppage, and in any event is obviously bad for the bearing. Give Sufficient Oil. For some reason or other many owners show a disposition to neglect certain steering nipples when going round with the gun. Not those on the steering pins, of course, which are conspicuous and easily accessible, but the one at the forward end of the steering rod and the two just near the end of the track rod. Another fact which is frequently revealed in the repair shop is that in applying the oilgun to the steering box insufficient oil is forced in, with the result that the upper bearing is starved. If this bearing is systematically neglected, it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that it might seize, when the consequences might be disastrous. Very often this nipple is the last one to receive attention, when the oilgun is half full, and as there is room for a good supply of lubricant it may quite easily happen that the gun may require refilling. However, the utmost care should be taken to ensure that an ample supply is. forced in. "Successful experiments have been conducted in Great Britain with a new form of transmission, which eliminates the ordinary gearbox and replaces it with one which is entirely automatic in operation, and which provides an indefinite series of gear ratios. The new unit operates in a principle remotely resembling that of the epicyclic gearbox, but its chief component consists of a casting containing eight inter-connected pistons operating in oil-filled cylinders. Drive ratio is governed by regulating the ease with which the oil may be released from these cylinders. When the pistons operate without impediment, the gearbox is in the neutral position, no power being conveyed to the tailshaft When the valves are closed, preventing piston motion through the lack of volumetric eleci tricity of the oil in the cylinders, drive is direct, and an indefinite seriies of intermediate stages £is possible by regulating the cylinder valves. . i