MAKING MOTORS MIND

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 13 September 1930, Page 13

MAKING MOTORS MIND

Mr. Max Wall, service manager of General Motors, New Zealand, Ltd., offers the following helpful hints for the motorist- who wants to got the most service and enjoyment our of his ear:

Regular attention to engine and chassis- lubrication, battery, cooling system, and tyres contribute to the efficient operation of the ear. The engine, cliassin, and icto;of.ing system should- bo- attended to according to the particular needs of tlio ear. The battery should be inspected at least, once every two weeks, and if the liquid is below the proper level, distilled water, or, in an emergency, clear rain water, should be added. The air pressure in the tyres should ibo checked once a week.

Water and oil are enemies of tyre fabric, and for this reason small stone cuts- in the casing should be kept filled with some good tyre filler. Oil deteriorates rubber, and iwill ruin on inner tube in a very short time.

Never throw the; extra tubes carelessly in with the ear tools and oil can. Wrap them carefully with heavy paper end keep them in strong cloth bag. Guard against the leaks in the fuel supply pipes or flooding of t.he carburettor. Escaped petrol in the drip pan or elsewhere about the- engine may cause serious damage or destruction of the ear. 'SpiUedl petrol may become ignited by heated exhaust pipe or mani-

fold, 'but much more commonly it is ignited by burning’ gas expelled through the carburet ton' air in-talt ej when a backfire occurs in the intake system. The. use of the self-starter has reduced the case of making compression tests. When the crank was used! to start the engine more opportunities were given to test the compression. Whenever there was any sign of loss of power the starting crank shrou.ld bo used to see of the compression, is good. Do it. now while the engine is in proper condition, and then there. will be a, basis, for comparison.

A new set of spark pings is one. of the best spring tonics for a- motor that appears sluggish and generally out of sorts. After a new set of plugs has delivered 1-0,000 miles and electrodes are apt to be burned and reduced in area to that they no longer produce a hot spark. This results in incomplete combustion of the gas vapour and iwasted fuel, besides unsatisfactory perofrmance of the motor. For this reason, it is economical to install new plugs at least once a year. In order to obtain better performance from the -battery, as well as increasing its life, have the. battery inspected: at least every t,wo weeks -during the warm: months; keep the terminals and connections clean to insure good electric contact; always keep tin 1 solution above the tops of the plates in -each cell by adding distilled: water or, in emergency, clear rain water, and have the generator adjusted to spring and summer driving conditions. Paint or enamel should not be applied to spots: on fenders where rust exists. First remove the rust with sandpaper, then give the surface a thorough dusting and follow with a coat of 'Duco or air-dry enamel. Painting over rust will not produce- satisfactory results.

A spark plug insecurely installed will cause leakage. The hot gases escaping around: the plug will cause it to become e-xcossivctly heated, resulting in probable, damage- to the plug, poor ignition and loss of power. Body squeaks' sometimes can be eliminated by the application of penetrating oil, especially -around- the bolts and at. other points where slight motion is suspected. A thin layer of vaseline spread over the battery posts and terminals will prevent corrosion that causes loose connections and finally eats away the metal.

Petrol consumption per mile increase;- with higher car speeds. Not only does excessively high speed lower petrol economy, but tyres- and brakes iwear faster. The cylinder head or block is likely tc crack if cold water is poured into the radiator of an overheated engine.

An overheated engine should be permit- j ted to cool gradually for at least lf> to 20 minutes before tilling the radiator. Petrol never should be used to .clean tire lacquered or enamelled finish of a car. It. dulls rlie highly-polislied surface.