MOTORING AND MOTORISTS

Evening Star, Issue 22579, 22 February 1937, Page 13

MOTORING AND MOTORISTS

than ever. But what has happened to the accessibility of car parts that is so important to the mechanically-minded, and which was considered vital a few years ago? The real automobile engineer would hardly consent to the placing of important parts in inaccessible positions, so that it would appear that his discretion is being over-ridden by the demand for beauty of appearance. At one time accessibility was stressed when new models were offered to the public, because it was recognised that owner-drivers desire to get at the parts easily in their home garage work, or when attention was needed on the roadside. To-day the car salesmen have to tread very warily when this matter is mentioned. SOME OBJECTIONS. Here are some of the objections to certain modern streamlined machines. Inability to use the dipstick in the petrol tank: filling of the teak- cannot always he earned out with speed ; great difficulty to remove the tank in some models, as the body is built around ' it. Absence of differential drain plugs; the necessity to remove the back plate and brake differential joint so as to remove the axle shafts. In some cases rear axle housings have the cover plates welded on, this preventing oil leaks, but making it necessary to dismantle the differential for inspection or adjustment. Some bonnets have to be raised so that the radiator can be filled. Large mudguards make it difficult to place the jack in position for the removal of tyres. Wide and deep guards make mechanical adjustments difficult. Extension of the exhaust manifold down over the valve cover plate makes some valves inaccessible. TOOLS, HEADLAMPS. Different models, requite special tools. In some’ cases it is necessary to remove headlamps from the underside of mudguards so that the globes can be replaced. Some models have the oil filling pipe and petrol pipe on opposite sides. There is not sufficient space on some cars to swing the starting handle, while manufacturers of others, realising this difficulty, have left out provision for the cranking handle altogether. Facilities for tappet adjustment were always provided in early models, but while the present highly-efficient engine calls for most exacting tappet clearance, in some instances tappet adjustment can be made only by removing a front wheel housing panel. The trend towards .streamlining has made the chassis elements requiring lubrication more jnaccessible, and these therefore are more susceptible to neglect. Repairers often cannot hope to effect repairs to under-carriages without a hoist. WHAT CAN BE DONE? What can be done to improve matters? Certainly a better understanding of these difficulties and a more sympathetic attitude to the mechani-cally-minded owner are required. The average owner does not require superspeed, which is the chief excuse of manufacturers for introducing streamlining, and it is the average owner who keeps the automobile manufacturing plants busy. We would be glad to see a trend towards simplicity in car-building and in body-building for the purpose of uncovering parts which require constant attention. Stream-lined bodies should have a specially-constructed chassis to preserve accessibility. This inaccessibility of many modern machines may be the reason for failure of owners to keep the vital “ Safety ” parts, such as steering, brakes, and lights, in good order. They are finding it more difficult than ever to effect a simple adjustment themselves, and busy men cannot always afford the time to take their cars to repairers regularly for the purpose. It is declared by many motorists that a car of simple construction and plain design would be immediately popular among a large clientele, and that it is only a matter of time for a big swing back to simplicity.

by "Radiator”

The process is the result of 18 months’ research and experiments in a special laboratory and workshop built to enable the experiments to be carried out in secret. It has been registered under a trade name, and is stated to reduce cylinder wear to a minimum. The invention will be made available to the engineering industry. Though the company itself will use the product only in Diesel engines, the principles on which it is made apply equally to motor car engines, aeroplane engines, tools, and machinery. It may have far-reaching effects in the development of the Diesel motor car and the Diesel aeroplane. By electro-chemical means a deposit of chrome is deposited on cast iron. This, it is stated, gives a surface harder than anything of the kind yet known, a surface which resists both chemical and mechanical wear to a greater 'extent than ever before. For cylinder purposes it has the longest wear yet discovered. The tests give proof that not even the hardest cast iron cylinders will stand up to the effects of wear, whether it is due to heat, chemical action, or abrasive wear from the piston rings, as effectively as cylinders treated with the new process.

LIGHTING-UP TIMES

To-day 8.10 Tuesday 8.8 Wednesday 8.0 Thursday 8.4 Friday 8.8 Saturday ... 8.1 Sunday 7.59

/ONE MORE BURDEN

States the Auckland ‘ Observer ’: — The poor harassed motorist is well used to being extortionately taxed. He is inured to waiting in queues, to being badgered by often officious officials, and to all the long, tedious processes already involved in complying with this country's manifold motoring regulations. Consequently, there will be little more than a groan of resigned protest against the latest irritant, the proposal which has apparently emanated from the fertile and ingenious brain of Mr Semple, that cars, whether new or old, should have to be examined twice yearly and have to carry a certificate (at ,6s each) attesting their reliability and efficiency. This nonsensical scheme is part of a well-meant effort to reduce motor casualties, . and it is admitted that a percentage—a very small percentage—-of casualties, aro caused by ancient and inefficient machines, cars which are known in America as “ jallopies.” But why, in the course of purging the highways of these relics, the 99 per cent, of other motorists, whoso cars are in good order day in and day out, should have to submit to a perhaps _ perfunctory examination, at an exorbitant fee, is one of those mysteries to which Mr Semple holds the key. It seems utterly farcical that while cars have to be examined for mechanical defects, those who drive them, whether short-sighted, half-witted, apoplectic, or palsied, should be immune from surveillance. Yet physical defects in a driver might just as easily cause acccidcnts as mehanical shortcomings in his car.

PETROL ECONOMY *

Economical operation is, as it should be, the aim of most motor car owner*. The fuel bill is one of the most important points of attack, but there is a limit to the degree to which the mixture may be weakened. If carried too far it will defeat its own purpose. More intermediate gearwork is called for where formerly top gear could be used, the motor tends to overheat, valves and seats burn, and poor acceleration is experienced. Idling is unsteady and faster. On the other hand, there are firms who are specialising in tuning for economy, and to who numerous motorists are indebted for a ponderable decrease in fuel consumption. _ A smaller main jet, pump or acceleration jets, readjustment of the float level, and'resetting of the choke are a few common cures for, petrol extravagance.

THE STREAMLINE VOGUE

A POPULAR DEMAND Streamlining of cars is considered by the president of one of America’s big manufacturing concerns to be a concession to a popular demand and not something that emanates from the industry itself. He admits the artistic but denies that there is any practical value in such design. Ho says;— “ Commercially and artistically I approve of so-called streamline design in cars, but from a practical standpoint I do not. “"Apart from artistic considerations, streamlining of motor cars has little practical virtue. Here is a case of a mode which has found lively acceptance with the_ public—not only in automobiles but in many other articles—that, as regards automobiles certainly, may not give the consumer a better product. Except at high speeds there is no appreciable gain from streamlining. “ A car which slopes back and downward and trails off into nothing does not allow interior space, to be used to best advantage for either passenger or luggage carrying. The front windshield, if it is sloping, makes vision more difficult than a vertical window. Small sloping rear _ windows reduce vision in back and* increase the difficulty of backing. “ Of course, every automobile builder knows he could build a better car from these aspects by simply making higher roofs, squaring off the headroom somewhat so as to permit better utilisation of space for passengers and luggage, and by building vertical rear and front windows. Also, cars would probably be slightly less costly to build and -would cost less to the consumer. But the modern automobile is made as it is entirely as a concession to style tendencies, because the public approve—have widely signified their approval. And, mind you, I take off my hat to our industry for its alertness in new styling.”

STEERING LINKAGE

A loose ball joint in the steering linkage is a frequent cause of wheel wobble. Springs break or lose their tension, and should be renewed. Keep the uinch bolt of split type drop arms, or tne large nut of the taper mounted type well tightened. Pressed steel shackles are sufficiently flexible to permit slight adjustment. Looseness causes rattling, and no more clearance need bo allowed than is necessary for free action.

ACCESSIBILITY SACRIFICED

APPEARANCE FAVOURED The glittering magnificence of the modern streamlined car makes it particularly attractive to the owner who is proud of appearance; its super-per-formance sends a thrill through the breast of him who desires speed, while safety factors are more in evidence

AFTER THE ” SPREE "

The problem which arises when a person asleep in a car is charged with being drunk while in charge of it is a common one. At Greenwich Police Court recently, the point arose once more (states a London paper). The defendant realised that he was in no position to drive a motor.car on leaving a dance, so he got in the body and went to sleep. The magistrate argued that if a man was unconscious and was lifted into the car and left there he could not be said to- be in charge, «s his mind did not accompany the act of getting in. But, he ruled, the fact of opening the door and getting in oneself does put one in charge of the vehicle. However, he continued, the fact that the defendant had no intention of driving mitigated the seriousness of the matter, so he dismissed the charge on payment of sgs costs.

GLEANING LEATHER

The cleaning of leather upholstery is best accomplished by the use of a mild non-alkaline soap and a little water. Never use petrol. Kerosene in the form of a moistened rag serves to remove _ grease deposits, but follow it up with water and soap washing. A medium-stiff brush can be used to scrup patent or real leathers. Luke-warm water is preferable. Dry off with a chamois to produce a satisfactory appearance, and to prevent water entry via the seams or stitches.

CYLINDER LIFE

NEW PROCESS EVOLVED Chromium-hardened Diesel engine cylinders, treated by a new process which gives them four times the wear resistance of ordinary commercial cylinders, are claimed to have been (perfected by an English firm.

LDOSE HEADLAMPS

If the rims of headlamps work loose and cause annoying rattles, a simple cure is to obtain a length of small rubber tubing and lay it around the inside of the rim next to the glass, securing it with a touch of glue.

AMERICAN PRICES

Ever since the birth of the motor industry American manufacturers of motor cars and commercial vehicles have adhered to_ a rather confusing method of advertising the prices of their products. Up to this year it was the custom for the vehicle to he advertised at a figure f.o.h. factory which covered only the bare vehicle, and did not include such vitally necessary items of equipment as bumper bars, spare tyre, and windscreen wiper. By the time freight had been paid from the factory to the home of the purchaser, it was no unusual thing to find that a premium of 20 per cent, had to be added to the advertised price. This obsolete method was not only confusing to the American buyer, but also has created some trouble in countries to which American care are exported, but in which they arc advertised by local dealers at an all inclusive price. Prospective purchasers, comparing the local price with the figure quoted in American national magazines, have formed the opinion that the dealer must be profiteering because of the wide disparity even after allowances have been made for such things as freight, insurance, Customs duty, and exchange. Now, however, the American manu-. facturers have mutually decided to alter their policy and to advertise the delivered prices of their products with all standard and necessary equipment.

CYLINDER HEAD REMOVAL

Some owner-mechanics find difficulty in removing the cylinder head. Various tricks are helpful. Often a few well distributed blows with a hammer and wood block along the sides will loosen tho head after the stud nuts or screws are removed. Lugs are provided on the sides of the cylinder heads by some makers for the purpose of taking some form of lever. Extreme care must be exercised, before attempting to prise up the head, to see that all studs or screws are free. Tight or rusted studs

present a problem, and levers must be used to force the heads up evenly at both, sides and ends, after liberally dosing the rusted studs with a penetrating oil, rust remover, or kerosene. Tools are sold to facilitate the lifting of cylinder heads.

WATER IH PETROL

METHOD OF REMOVAL Motorists whose cars are suddenly afflicted with spluttering, followed in many cases by the engine stopping, should suspect immediately the presence of water in the petrol, provided, of course, there is plenty of fuel in the tank and the uncommon behaviour is not caused simply by the owner’s neglect to “ fill up.” The presence of water can easily be detected by detaching the carburetter float bowl and emptying its contents on the road. The petrol will immediately spread evenly over the road surface, but water, if any, will collect iu little globules. Faulty engine operation from this cause is, unfortunately, fairly frequent to-day. and apparently is due to the collection of water from condensation in the storage tanks of kerbside pumps. Occasional draining of the float bowl of the carburetter should bo sufficient precaution to take against stoppages of this sort, as tho water is rarely in sufficient quantities to affect seriously the whole fuel system. After draining the float howl, it can be refilled quickly by turning the engine by the starter with the ignition switched off for a few moments, this operating the petrol pump with sufficient power to draw fresh fuel from tho main tank.

MOTOR CYCLING

A.A. (OTAGO) FIXTURES i February 28.—Social run. March 6.—Acceleration test, March 14.—Social run. March 16.—Monthly meeting. March 26, 27, 28, 29.—Cust road race. April 10.—Five-hour trial. April 20.—Monthly meeting. April 24.—Treasure hunt. May 8. —Slow hill climb. May 18.—Monthly meeting. May 22.—Paper chase. June s.—Sporting trial. June 15.—Annual meeting.

TOLD AT THE WHEEL

Mildred (sympathetically, to ailing friend) : “ Hullo, dear! How’s the pain in the neck?” Millicent: “ Oh, he’s out motoring!”