MOTORING NOTES

Franklin Times, Volume XXV, Issue 58, 22 May 1935, Page 7

MOTORING NOTES

CAUSES OF ENGINE TROUBLE. Most drivers are familiar with the symptoms of an engine gradually losing its power, developing at the samg time a certain amount of roughness. “Missing” is the definition usually applied to such a malady; a specific remedy is not always the simple matter which it appears to be oil a first investigation.

To short-circuit each sparking plug in turn gives some small indication as to which is the offending cylinder, or cylinders. A much better idea, however, can be obtained by using two small-link chains, each fitted to a block or wood, to serve as electrical insulators. By dangling the ends of the chains on to the engine the remaining portions can be draped round the sparking plugs, leaving one only to spark. In such circumstances the engine can be run on full throttle, and a measure of the efficiency of all cylinders obtained in addition to ■ “spotting” a delinquent sparking plug. As may be expected the engine will not run very fast when operating on one cylinder only; and it is quite possible to determine the cylinder which does the least amount of work, even in an engine which is not suffering from “misfiring." Perhaps a valve tappet requires adjustment, ort here may be a bad compression, leak caused by a burnt valve seating, whilst a knock or tap from the engine can be located instantly and if the operator happens to be a little expert in the detection of noise a heavy thump from a main bearing, the hard knock of a big end or the tap of a piston or gudgeon pin can easily be distinguished when one cylinder only is running under fullload conditions. Even a slack camshaft chain can be detected by running the engine slowly. WASHING THE CAR. When washing a car it is advisable first to thoroughly soak the surface with running water, then to rub lightly, using a sponge with water running on the sponge from a hose, or using water freely from a bucket. When the dirt is removed wash again with hose, then dry down with chamois. Do not use water at high pressure when washing a car, as, it tends to drive the dirt into the surface, also never use warm water, and avoid washing a car in the sun if possible. If the car gets muddy always try to wash the mud off before it has time to dry. If allowed to dry on it will dull the surface and may leave stains; CARE OF BRAKES. One of the principal factors in the success of a motorist with his brakes lies in individual habits of driving. Proper use of brakes will not only save them from premature wear, but will also tend to improve their efficiency.

Among undesirable driving practices which keep brakes from giving maximum services are:—

Allowing the wheels to slide where the road surface is wet or slippery, thus wearing- the tyres unevenly and permitting uneven traction to upset braking equalisation. Going too fast over the top of hills so as to require excessive use of the brakes on the down grade.

Driving with the holding brake partly engaged.

Failure to have the moving parts of

the braking system lubricated and kept free of rust. Inefficient operation of any one set of brake shoes means excessive wear on the other three, which then must carry the whole load. Servicemen frequently find individual brakes which do not release properly. This results in excessive wear on che lining and throws the entire system out of equalisation. Brakes should have frequent inspection, but constant readjustment should not be necessary.