OIL TEMPERATURE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 117, 20 May 1939, Page 26

OIL TEMPERATURE

PROLONGING OF ENGINE LIFE

Engineers are beginning to appreciate how: important a factor is oil tern perature in governing cylinder wear and the general life ot engines, For some years oil coolers have been regarded as necessary * units on racing cars, but the future may see these fitments in much wider, use. •

During the last few years a welter of discussion has centred around cylinder wear. Two factors that',have received considerable attention are <1) rapid warming up of the cooling water to avoid condensation and consequent corrosion in cylinder bores, and (2) ample lubrication of the cylinder walls. The fii'st requirement has been met to an extent by the development of reliable thermostats, the second by the use of thinner oils.

According to one authority, the oil temperature in an engine starting from cold, on an average day, is 12deg C. After five minutes' running it is 14deg C, after 10 minutes 16deg C. after 20 minutes 20deg C, and after one hour's running on open throttle 60deg C, from which will be gatheerd how essential it is to warm up an engine without delay, so that the cylinders and bearings will receive their proper supply of oil from its normal working level.

Much research has been carried out on the problem of ensuring effectual temperature control of both water and crankcase oil and the avoidance of oil starvation while an engine is cold. Eventually provision will no doubt be made to quickly raise the temperature of crankcase oil. and then prevent the temperature from rising above a predetermined mark Probably this will be done by means of thermostatically controlled water temperature, thereby warming the oil up quickly and then cooling it later on. as is the practice in racing cars.

Motorists who during summer months are troubled with tar picked up from the surface of tarred roads getting thrown on to the body of the car will, be interested to learn that tests are being made in England with the object of eliminating the tendency of tar to run in hot weather and become brittle in winter. It has been found that the addition of small percentages of chlorinated rubber to the tar reduces the tendencies mentioned.

A little glycerine applied with a rag to the side and rear windows will ensure a clear view of other traffic when driving through rain. As glycerine has c spreading action, it causes (he water to form an even film ,over the glass so that it does not impede visibility.