MOTOR-CYCLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20992, 1 October 1931, Page 16

MOTOR-CYCLING.

THE SPRING CLEANING. HINTS FOR ALL OWNERS. Before attempting the annual overhaul or spring clean tho owner of a motorcycle should first of all clean up and tidy his girage, removing dust arid grit from the bench and the floor. Two or three wooden boxes and a number of large-sized cigarette tins will come in handy" and a shallow bath and a couple of brushes will be essential. Petrol will bo found to be the best medium for washing parts, as, it> removes oil and dirt without damaging enamel and it will creato no tendency to rust. Having prepared so far, the enthusiast is now ready for the machine itself. If the model is an old one, it will pay to dismantle everything for careful inspection, but if, on the other hand, the mount is comparatively new, it should suffice to dismantle oniy those parts where wear is likely or which need annual attention. The engine should receive first attention, as if there are any major repairs necessary these can be done by a reliable garage, while the balance of the overhaul is being completed. Small parts must be thoroughly cleaned and each component as it is removed should be placed in a separate tin for individual attention later. Valve guides should be tested, for wear after all burnt oil has been removed —there should bo no appreciable shake of the valvci stem in its guide—and it is a very wise rule to replace the valve springs, although the old ones may rot show any apparent weakness. In the event of the engine having overhead valves, the rocker gear should be thoroughly examined and if there is no lubricating system provided, high-melting point grease should te packed in when reassembling. Tappets and guides should be examined, also the timing gear. Mechanical Noises. Much of the mechanical noise in engines car: be traced to wear in the cam levers and spindles. After all carbon has been renoved from the cylinder-head the valve soi.ts must bo examined. Grinding will often be sufficient, but in the event of deep pit marks the scats should bo refaced. The enthusiast will best know if he is capable of handling the crankcase, fly wheel assembly and main shaft and timing gear bearings, and if not, should consult his garage. The carburet! cr must be taken to pieces and cleaned. If the throttle slide is a "sloppy" fit, it is best renewed, as a worn slide is conducive to difficult starting and poor running at low speeds. Tho magneto ill require attention and here a lew shillings spent with a competent e.'cctrician will be a good investment. Give the gear box a good bath, remove all old grease and examine the bearings. Wheel hubs should be washed ; and after examination of the cones, cups and ball? they can be packed with grease. In the event of a ball being defective, replace the complete set. The same applies to tho steering head. Brake lining must be renewed if unduly worn, spokes tightened and fork spindles or links examined for side play. There arc numerous odds and ends that require attention. Bowden cables may lie rusty or the casing chafed, lighting wires may be frayed and in danger of shorting and the battery may be in need of repair. Finally, it is imperative that every part be perfectly clean before reassembly.

SPORTS OLUB NEWS. An extremely interesting film, including pictures of the Isle of .Man Tourist Trophy races, hill-climbs and trials, issued by the Motor-Cycle in England, has been received by the Sports Motor-Cycle Club from the New Zealand Auto-Cycle Union. Arrangements are being made to have the film shewn locally next week, and it is expected that the screening will be attended by <1 large number of riders. The film has proved very interesting to enthusiasts and was well received by Southern riders. The monthly meeting of the club will be held next Tuesday, and will be followed by a lecture on "Oii" by an expert. Nonmembers interested in the subject are invited to attend. A one-day trial will be held during the month, and the routo chosen will be inspected prior to the event on one of tbe week-end runs in the near fu tu re. The N.Z.A.C.U. has advised tho club that any riders wishing to be selected as Dominion representatives for the next Tsle of Man T.T. must compete in the New Zealand event, as their entries will not otherwise be considered by the A.C.U. It is likely that several South Island riders will compete in the next W aibeke race. NOTES. Ft. !• Yogley, who was a member of the British team of broadsiders to visit Auckland last season, has purchased a light aerophine. At a recent English motor-cycle sports gala competitors were required to sit astride their machines, eat a bun and then blow up a balloon until it burst. A Coulsden (Surrey) inventor is report eci to have run a motor-cvclc on hydrogen, produced on the machine by the electrolysis of an acid solution by means of a 12-volt current. It is said that i:he fuel cost is 3d for 200 miles and that the' maximum speed has been increased by 9 m.p.h.