READERS' TROUBLES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19169, 7 November 1925, Page 10 (Supplement)

READERS' TROUBLES.

TESTS FOR HORSEPOWER. J.J.S., To Awamufcu. —There are several methods of determining brako horsepower, but, as the designation suggests, they all depend on the principle of measuring tho energy of the engine as shown by its resistance to tho retarding effect of some form of brake. The simplest method is by applying a friction brake to the flywheel, thus, slowing the engine down to any desired speed. The pressure or pull exerted on the brake is indicated by an avoirdupois scale, and the speed of the engine must be shown by a revolution counter. From data so obtained the desired calculation can be made. Mora accurate and practicable is the electric dynamometer test. The engine is coupled to a dynamo, which is equipped with volt and ampere meters. The power of tho engine is revealed in the amount ; of electrical energy generated by the j dynamo. . Every horsepower developed will produce 746 watts of current. Certain allowances have, however, to be made for mechanical and electrical losses in tho transformation. Another method favoured by car- ! builders, consists of the employment of a J fap dynamometer. The fan acts as a j brake or retarding mechanism in tho same j way as the dynamo in the other system. ! The power required to turn the fan bears a definite relation to the speed, and, if , tho revolutions' are known, a simple cal-| dilation gives tho brake horsepower. J A water dynamometer is also in com- J mon use. It comprises a rotating fan or j paddle-wheel immersed in water to offer I the necessary resistance. Each of these tests necessitates tho re- j moval of tho engine from tho car. By the use of an instrument known as an j acceleromoter, tho horsepower at the fly- j wheel may be determined accurately when j the car is in ordinary running trim. An approximate method by which any I driver can test brake horsepower for him- j self when the car is on the road, will be j described in these columns next week. CURE FOR NOISY BRAKES. "Novice," Mount Eden. —Noisy brakes will be found to be either dry and dusty I or out of adjustment. When the linings ; are worn the trouble is usually due to : projecting rivets. Dirt clogs tho pores of the asbestos | and glazes it over. This produces a squeak under even light pressure. The j linings should be cleaned with a stiff brush j and benzine. Lubricating oil should never ! be placed on the brake drums. It may j cure squeaks but it will render the brakes extremely inefficient.

AUCKLAND TRAFFIC CONTROL. Methods of traffic control were exhaustively discussed at a conference between representatives of the Auckland City traffic department and the police recently. A report on the proceedings, which has been issued by the chief traffic inspector, Mr, G. It. Hogan, states that it was resolved that pedestrians should be compelled to cross between defined lines at certain intersections in Queen Street, Karangahape Road, and Symonds Street. It was also recommended that a memorandum of traffic signals should be handed to every applicant for a driver's license. The opinion was expressed by members of the conference that many accidents were due to incorrect signals given by motorists through ignorance or indifference.

The recommendations of the conference that fhe London system of hand signalling be 'adopted, and that lines should be placed at street intersections 20ft. from corners to mark the stopping point for vehicles, have been adopted by the council. Other recommendations dealing with the regulation of pedestrians and through traffic at the corner of Queen and Customs Streets were deferred for six months.

NOTES It is rumoured that at last a cheap small car is being manufactured in the Midlands which will not completely oust the sidecar! The information burea.i of the A.A.A. is holding a hood cover which was picked up ot! Manukau Road recently. The owner can obtain possession by applying to the service officer. The service officer o!' the Auckland Automobile Association, Mr. R. E. Champfaloup, will visit the Tanpo district next w.'ek, and will signpost the Napier and Tanpo Road. Latest advice from B"itain is to the effect that the negotiations between the Austin Company and representatives of General Motors Corporation of America have lapsed. It was predicted that the American concern aimed to acquire control of the Austin factories and to Americanise the British car. The Auckland Provincial district is the largest motoring province in the Dominion and recent registrations go to prove that it is rapidly increasing its lead. In September. Auckland, including Hamilton, Thames and Gisborne postal districts, registered 640 motor vehicles; Wellington with Wancrnnni and Palmerston North accounted for 410, while Christchurch. taking in Oamuru and Tima.ru as the balance of Canterburv, could only muster 7)45 vehicles. Auckland Province still has the worst roads in the Dominion, in spite of fhe overwhelmin!? number of motorists. It would appear that the Auckland Automobile Association. in organising its territory and appointing agencies everywhere in the province. is taking ;i wise stej* and one that should bo supported by motorists.