MOTORING AND MOTORISTS

Evening Star, Issue 23326, 24 July 1939, Page 15

MOTORING AND MOTORISTS

LIGHTING-UP TIMES To-day 5.21 Tuesday ... ... 5.22 Wednesday 5.23 Thursday 5.24 Friday ... 5.26 Saturday 5.27 Sunday 5.23 PUBLICATION RECEIVED The ‘ Radiator,’ for July, STEERING GEAR ABJUITMENT AND GAK Fortunately, car steering gears are now so good that they require very little attention. The great distance a car will cover before the nnit-needs its first adjustment is. surprising to those who remember how frequently attention was neededin the -oid days. This is more remarkable when it is remembered that the modern big tyres impose a much greater strain .on the steering at low speeds that ’did, the. old-fashioned, narrow tyres, .NeyertheJeas, sooner or later,' some atteption will be needed and'a' few hints-niay be of help. _ , One matter,. which is hot often mentioned in print, deserves - attention. When a car is new it goes through a running-in and settling-down process, and after about 2,000 miles it is found that various nuts and bolts can bo tightened, although they were sent out originally tightened to the limit. Hence the insistence of most motor firms that new cars be returned after this initial running so that this service can be performed. There are two points which, it is believed; some service stations are inclined to overlook—the steering arms on the two stub axles, to which the tie rod is attached. These arms are tapered aiid keyed into place, and held firm by a large split pinned nut in the steering .head i If they should develop any looseness in their tapered fittings,, a slight rotating motion ‘ can occur, which will wear the keys, while road shocks may even -fracture' the amis,' so that, the steering is lost; It will be realised that these arms must always be as tight as possible; and they. are worth looking at occasionally." "Any looseness in them can generally be detected through the steering wheel. THE TIE ROD. ' 6ther vital points of the steering gear are the tie rod, connecting ■ these two arms, the drag link running from the steering box; and the Pitman arm, which is the arm dropping down from the steering, box, to which the drag link is attached. Formerly, the tie rod was usually held in place by yokes and pins, and in these, wear was apt to be rapid. Today, however, it is customary for ball and socket joints to be used, and, ns the sockets arc spring loaded, they tend to compensate themselves automatically for any wear. These arc worth looking at occasionally, for should one become very loose the joint may come apart with disastrous results. The same type of joint is used for the drag link The Pitman. arm is either splined or keyed to the cross shaft of the steering gearbox, and this is another part where looseness of any sort cannot be allowed. It .should, be tested occasionally with a spanner. But wear in the movable joints is remarkably slow nowadays, and a car lias to be neglected shamefully or cover a very long mileage before it appears. The important thing is to be lavish with lubrication. If they are oiled regularly with a good chassis lubricant nothing will go wrong with them for a long time. In some cars, however, wear in the steering king pins is fairly rapid, and as looseness here is also apt to affect the braking action, king pins should be replaced as soon as any side movement appears.

STEERING BACKLASH. There are various kinds of steering gear in use to-day, the worm and worm wheel, the worm aud roller, tho worm nut, and the cam and lever, to mention a few. All are alike in that provision is made for adjustment to eliminate the backlash in tho steering wheel, which comes with wear. This wear is slow if the gear is kept properly lubricated, but it will eventually reach the point where adjustment is needed. There should be a slight amount of backlash in most car steering gears. Indeed, it is inevitable, because the very small amount of looseness in each of the many steering joints and iii tho gear itself makes a total which is clearly apparent at the steering wheel. In any case, however, this small amount of lost motion is valuable in stopping road shocks from going dfrect to the driver’s hands. It is when that lost motion allows the wheel to be moved a third of a turn or more without operating the steering that attention is needed, because a car steering gear in this condition, no matter bow familiar a driver is with its tricks, definitely is not safe. ELASTIC PARKING • Salt Lake became the first American city to provide, elastic parking accommodation for motorists. ■Tho public appears to bo satisfied, with some citizens enthusiastic. Tho motorist can' buy 12 minutes parking for a penny or 24 minutes for two pennies. He may buy an hour’s time for threepence or two hours’ time for sixpence. Most parkers get what they want'where they want it. All-day parkers have moved further but and private parking lots have sprung up like mushrooms. Traffic is expedited because there is less double parking and the city is making money to put back into traffic-law enforcement. - . As a result the city shows a wholesome decrease in accidents and fatalities and for the moment there is no visual protest against official intentions. In the first month of operation, May 1 to June 1, meters yielded an average of £9l a day, or a total of £2.350. Receipts exceeded hopes of city officials and objections have become fewer and fewer. PETROL SUBSTITUTE A Liverpool engineer claims that ho has produced a satisfactory substitute for petrol which can ."be produced in large quantities, and .will only cost about twopence per' gallon. A provisional patent has already been obtained on the nqw fuel, and the process is said to consist of building up light gases and liquids which gasify at ordinary temperatures. It is claimed that engineering experts have reported satisfactory results after a test of 1,000 mile’s, the performance of a car in respect of acceleration, speed, easy starting, consumption, and power being well up to normal requirements. DON'T TRUST TO THE HORN ALONE Have you ever noticed how carefully you drive when the horn of your car is out of order? On thinking this out it would appear that when the horn is in good order we drive a little carelessly, to a certain extent blowing tho horn and trusting to luck ana the other man. This is not good enough. Always drive as though the, hooter were out of action. You will be a more careful and a more considerate driver. OVERHEAD VALVES While push-rod operated, overhead valves have ai great, many points to recommend, them, it is almost inevitable that, when an engine using them has seen a considerable amount of service, a certain amount of wear will develop in the small bearings of the rocker arms. This will be followed by a certain amount of noise, not serious, but it may adopt such a period that the owner is under the impression that a gudgeon pin has loosened or some other wear has occurred inside the engine. _ There always is the possibility of this, of course, but a skilled mechanic will soon trace the source of the noise, and very frequently will find that it is notliing but these rocker arras. The cure is comparatively simple, the rebushiiig of these arms, and the work should not be very expensive. Nevertheless, unless the noise is very bad indeed, it is a moot point whether it is worth spending money on this job. The slight wear does not affect efficiency in anv way, and at ordinary speeds any noise from the rockers passes unnoticed. It is only at low speeds that it becomes really apparent. If the noise is go loud that it' is really objectionable the possibilities are that the other working parts are also badly worn, and the engine is duo for a complete overhaul. TRAILERS AND CARAVANS TWO NEW REGULATIONS Two new regulations affecting trailers and caravans are contained in the Traffic Regulations 1936, Amendment No. 1. The first provides that every motor vehicle, including any shall be Equipped with a tail lamp which shows a red light visible at least 300 ft to the rearward, and which is attached at the rear of tho vehicle at its longitudinal centre line or on the off side thereof. The second regulation, which comes into force after September 1, states: Rvery motor vehicle drawing a trailer and every motor vehicle which with its load exceeds' 7ft in width or 20ft in length shall be equipped with a lamp having an aperture of not less than three square inches in area and fitted as high as practicable at the front and near the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle so as to display a light of blue colour directed forward horizontally to the vehicle and clearly vis'Mo at .a distance of not less than 3001’L in normal atmospheric conditions.

by "Rodlutor"

PASSENGERS PLEASE NOTE TALKING WHILE DRIVING Although an experienced motorist is able as a rule to converse with his passengers on any subject under tho sun. with which lie is more or loss familiar, without having his usual standards of driving ability, watchfulness, and care harmfully affected, there are some people—men and women—who cannot do so; they cannot “think of two things at once,” for that is what is necessary if a man or woman is to drive a car under some conditions while talking about politics, astronomy, the test match, or the latest in golf clubs or hats. _We are all familiar with tho maritime rule about talking to the man at the wheel, and although it need not be strictly applied in all circumstances in regard to the driver of a car, it is jusi as well—distinctly advisable in fact—to_ keep it in mind and observe the injunction while the car in which one is a passenger is being negotiated under road or traffic conditions that are out of the ordinary. Passengers should look ahead, as the driver must if ho is to keep himself mid his ear out of trouble; and when and where some obviously or possibly difficult situation is looming or may loom ahead they should stop talking to the driver. In fact, it is better still that they should cease talking amongst themselves.

Actually, nervous persons are prone to talk more and excitedly when they are fearful of what the driver or something or somebody on the road ahead will do. Thereby they encourage the risk of accident they are anxious should be avoided, particularly if the is a comparatively “ new ” motorist. They had far better sit still and say nothing, and if then the driver appears to be “ striving to make conversation ” when ho ought to be concentrating on his job. some such remark as “ Don’t bother to talk to me while things are difficult ” will give him relief and enhance his appreciation of his passenger’s intelligence. One other pointer for the front passenger: Keep clear of the driver’s left elbow; sit askew facing half to the right if necessary. THE RECKLESS DRIVER TRAFFIC CONTROL Agreement with thoso members of the Victorian State Cabinet, who have stated that the only effective means of reducing reckless driving is the appointment of more traffic police, was expressed by the president of the Royal Autombile Club (Mr Alnred Kelly). “ While _ recklessness on the part of motorists is to be deplored, there are many cases referred to by the Chief Secretary (Mr Bailey) where motorists are not responsible for accidents in which they are involved,” said Mr Kelly. “It is extremely difficult to apply hard-and-fast traffic laws to conditions which alter from time to time in accordance with the lay-out of streets, density of traffic at different peak periods, the state of tho weather, and other elements which ented into the conduct of transport. By far the better plan is to educate road users by means of police patrols rather than by wholesale prosecutions, many of which would be for technical breaches.” Mr Kelly added that it was very satisfactory to learn that the Government. in its recent decision to increaso the Police Force, had decided to put more men on to traffic control work. It would have a very beneficial effect in reducing road accidents. THE SILENCER The motor cyclist is tretaed in a much harsher manner in the United States when he breaks the regulations than the owner of a machine in New Zealand. In one American State, for instance, a motor cyclist caught with an open exhaust is not cautioned. He has his machine confiscated. A NEW AUSTIN TEN SALOONS AND TOURERS Tlie now Austin Ten is offered either as a four-door saloon with fixed or sliding head, or as a highly attractive fourseater tourer. Accommodation is extremely generous in’both models, with a rear seat width of 42iin between the arm rests and a depth of 20Jin. For head and leg-room at back and front, and for driving visibility, this new Austin can also claim full marks. The chassis of this new Austin reveals a radical change in design, which lias enabled weight to be saved and strength to be augmented at one and the same time. Tho chassis proper consists of a platform braced with box members and hounded by reversed U channelling, extending the full length of each side. Tho body mates with the chassis along these side channels, its sill being bolted (not welded) to the top and bottom of the channelling alternately to give a ■ close series of staggered connections. Tho power unit is of straightforward and robust four-cylinder side-valve design, with a very rigid crankshaft and large diameter main bearings. The cubic capacity of 1,125 c.c. is derived from a bore of 03.5 mm. and a stroke of 89mm. The R.A.C. rating is 9.996 h.p., and 32 b.h.p. is developed at 4,000 r.p.m. The cylinders and crankcase are cast as one, and tho crankshaft is supported in three bearings of the bi-metal type. Tho pistons are of anodised aluminium alloy, and have oil control rings. Cylinder wall lubrication is ensured by drilled connecting rods. The cylinder head is of the high compression aluminium-alloy type, and a Zenith down-draught carburettor with air silencer is employed, fed by AC pump from a six-gallon rear tank. Overhead access to the engine is quite unrestricted, as the one-piecc bonnet lifts from the front. Per additional access to each side of the unit the bonnet sides are quiekly detachable. Transmission of power is by a Borg and Beck clutch with spring drive, to a four-speed gearbox with synchromesh engagement for second. I bird, and top. The gear

ratios are 5.375, 8.23, 13.08, and 21.6 to 1 with a 27.8 to 1 reverse. Both front and roar springs are controlled by Luvax piston-type doubleacting hydraulic shock absorbers, and provide a remarkably smooth suspension. The brakes-are of full Girling design, completely balanced with individual adjustments on each brake and diflerential operation as between front and rear’ to accord with the forward transfer of axle load as the brakes are applied. Hour-glass steering is employed, forward mounted to give a convenient column rake and ensuring perfect steering irrespective of spring deflection. The electrical system is 12-volt, with compensated voltage control for the charge from the large ventilated dynamo. In respect of general dimensions the Austin Ten is found to be quite a substation car. The rear track is 4ft, and wheelbase 7ft 9£in. Overall it is 13ft l£in long and 4ft 10|in wide MOTOR CYCLING FIXTURES August 6.—Social run (afternoon). August 12. —Sporting trial. August 21.—Monthly meeting. August 20.—Mystery run. September 9.—-Paper chase. September 18.—Monthly meeting. September 23.—Scramble. October 7. —Slow hill climb. October 16.—Monthly meeting . October 21-23.—Labour Day trial. November 4.—Field day. November 12.—Social run. November 20.—Monthly meeting. November 25.—Hi1l climb. December 9.—Mystery run. December 17.—Social run. December 18.—Monthly meeting. Those fixtures are subject to alteration. CLUB NEWS Saturday, July 15, marked the beginning of the season for competitions and also the Ariel Cup points. The weather probably caused quite a few to forfeit their points for clean machines. However, the run was a success throughout a.s far as attendance and also the novel way in which the treasure hunt was planned. More than 30 riders followed their captain to Wakari, where each member was given a card with a jumbled word on it, which, after being puzzled out, proved to be Black Bridge, at Silvcrstream. Here they were given a list of articles consisting of a piece of string, a hen’s egg, a 4in nail, a piece of tin, wool, horse hair, a flower, and a spider to collect. The riders had a limited time to collect these, and the first to reach the Outrani Glen with the list complete was the winner, the only snag being how to obtain some of the things required. Many residents of the Taieri are perhaps convinced that a certain number of motor cyclists arc entirely out of their minds. One innocent fanner, while driving his horse and cart along the road, was stopped by a motor cyclist who politely requested if he could have a hair out of the horse’s tail. No one blames the farmer if he wondered what was wrong, but it certainly was the logical way of getting a piece of horse’s hair.

A number of farm .bouses did quite an unexpected trade in eggs. and a building which is being erected on the Taieri provided a number with their nails. The rest of the articles wore quite easily found, with the exception of the spicier, but some of the competitors, after much hunting in dark corners and under stones, managed to corner their quarry and lure it into a matchbox or handy tin. The first three to arrive at the glen with their full quota were:— A. Schoifield, S. Thompson, and W. Strange. Congratulations to these members! ‘ Early arrivals at the glen were urovided with a lot of unrehearsed acts by those following, the approach being through a large pool of water with a very greasy patch on one side of it, which was not noticeable till the last moment, hence some spectacular riding firoviding one member with some excelent action photographs. Finding that a good portion of the afternoon remained to be filled in, an impromptu hill climb was held, which was rather interesting, in as much as one or two of the 350 c.c. machines proved to be nearly as fast on that particular hill as their bigger brothers, the 500 c.c. class. The fastest times were:— A. Scholfield (500 c.c. Ariel) 18sqc 1 W. Pettit (500 c.c. Ariel) 18 2-ssec 2 A. Napier (350 c.c. 8.5. A.), 18 3-ssec 3 The return trip proved quite uneventful. and so ended another enjoyable outing. Members are reminded of the social rim to be held on August 6, leaving the club rooms, Moray Place, at 2 p.m.

TOLD AT THE WHEEL Two business partners were joint owners of a motor car. Going home one night, they were stopped by a policeman for driving with only one light alight. * “Suppose we pay half each?” suggested the driver. “ No,” replied the other, “ my side wasn’t out! ”