TROUBLE SHOOTING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 19 May 1928, Page 15

TROUBLE SHOOTING.

WOMAN DRIVER’S MISTAKE. Here’s a story which throws considerable light on the interesting topic of getting better mileage: Recently a woman bought a popular make of car, and was delighted with it except for the fact that she did not think she was getting sufficient mileage out of the new model. At frequent intervals she visited a service station to see what the trouble was, but after the best mechanics had failed to discover any, the woman grew angry and left in a huff. Shortly afterward a travelling representative of the company heard of the trouble, and, not wanting a dissatisfied customer, asked the fair owner to take him for a ride. Her very first move on entering the car astonished him, for she pulled out the choke to its full length and hung her handbag on it. Forty minutes was consumed on the investigation trip, the choke doing duty as a handbag-hanger all the while. On the way back the representative of the company suggested stopping at the service station. There he suggested and had hooked up on the motor side of the cowl a spring to let the choke serve as a handbagholder and yet not remain extended continually. To this day the woman owner does not. know why her car gives much better mileage, the choice still does double duty, and everyone concerned is happy about this peerless bit of “troubleshooting.”

WHEEL WOBBLE.

INTER-ACTION OF ENGINE AND FRAME.

| Wheel wobble is still mot with, although the problem it presents lias been so thoroughly explored. It- is, however, likely to become more rare as frames and forks become stiffer and bearings more resistant to wear. There is, of course, no doubt that steering rake, and slack in bearings of wheel, forks, and head are all factors to be considered, and the wider use of steering dampers has certainly done much ito eliminate the trouble. There is still an element of mystery about'the matter (says the “Glasgow Herald”), and all the reasons and influences are notyet quite clear. „ It has been suggested that the inter-action of engine anti frame has something to do with the matter, and that side-sway of the engine can be sufficient to set up the lateral forces which produce “wobble,” and which may be rather augmented than checked by the rider’s efforts .to correct his front wheel movements. If there is anything in this theory, it is clear that the relations of power-unit and frame must be closely studied. It would be interesting to know the experience of riders with different types of frame, and whether any connection can be traced between wobble and lateral rigidity. The lack of lateral rigidity is one of the defects of the conventional type of frame, which possesses maximum rigidity in the vertical direction, where it is not entirely necessary. The evolution of new forms of frame is slow, but sooner or later real modifications of present types would appear to be inevitable.

A NEW DEVICE.

MF-CHANICAL SIGNALLING. During the past few years a number of mechanical systems for giving direction signals on motor-cars have been invented, and recently a reporter was given a demonstration of a new device that fulfils every requirement of the Motor Omnibus Construction Regulations, and is in every way suitable for use on cars as well as on heavy vehicles (says “The Press”). It is the invention of Mi. Fred Penfold, a young Christchurch man, and it lias been approved by the Public Works Engineer. The device consists of an arrow, constructed so as to be clearly illuminated at night, which indicates when the ear is about to turn to the right or to the left, and also when it is going straight ahead or about to stop> The system is practically fool-proof- as the signal is given by the simple turning of a switch in the same direction which it is desired the arrow is to point. It works on the rack and pinion principle, being free from Bowden cable. The result is that the arrow is held in an absolutely rigid position. When the vehicle is about to stop the arrow points up-' ward and the word “Stop” is shown in clear red letters. Intermediate signals can also be given in addition to a full turn to the right or to the left.

NELSON AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION.

The annual general meeting of the Nelson Association was held yesterday. The annual report accorded 92 new members, the total now standing at, 455, which it is considered should be .argely increased. It stated that during the vear’s campaign of sign-posting a considerable number of new posts had been erected, and the work will during lhe coming year include a system of indicating the main roads by colours at corner posts. Subsidies paid to local bodies had totalled .6135 to carry out works of value to motorists, improvement of corners, widening cuttings, and formation of parking places. The association had issued a district guide l>ook concerning beauty spots and picnic places, and these hail been distributed to local and visiting motorists The latter had in many cases been thereby induced to extend their stay in the province, while in addition thev had freely used camping places. The committee noted with interest the issue of the new regulations, from which were excised many clauses objected to by the* associations. Copies had been sent to mem bens. Reference was made to the South Island Union mutual insurance, and to the anticipation that a further decrease in rates on cars would eventuate. The matter of wayside advertising had been put under the control of the county councils, and the four situate in the- Nelson province would take joint action in the matter. The statement of accounts showed a strong financial position, with an amount expended on sign-posting of £55, and on guide hooks of £l2 12s and other printing of £lB The subscriptions totalled £329. It will be of interest for members of associations to see how their neighbours are progressing.