Fording Up Stream

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7211, 18 July 1933, Page 4

Fording Up Stream

In traversing back-country roads, streams must sometimes be forded or ‘‘casual water” passed through. Two factoT3 must be considered—depth and condition of the bottom. It seldom pays to rush water, except in the case of a stretch only a yard or two wide with a soft bottom, in which there is danger of being bogged unless tho car has plenty of momentum to carry it through. If a rush should become necessary, ignition trouble will be much less likely to occur if the fan is disconnected and a bag tied over tho radiator. If the water is so deep there is risk of it entering the breather, this should be temporarily plugged. Never attempt to drive through water which may be sucked into the engine through the carburettor, for if the cylinders become filled tho engine will be wrecked in the effort, to compress that which is incompressible. The only alternative to being towed or pushed through water of this depth is to Jit, an extension to tho air intake, which rises well above water level. With the exhaust under water there is a considerable increase in back pres-

sure, which'will tend to; stop the engine;' ’To ' guard against; this always enter-the water in low gear, so as . to have’ a '’good reserve - , of power instantly available.' • / •-