MOTOR LUBRICATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21252, 4 August 1932, Page 14

MOTOR LUBRICATION

VALUE OF CORRECT OILS PREVENTING ENGINE WEAR The primary function of a lubricant for motor-car engines is to provide an oily film which will attach itself to the metal parts to prevent wear. This film should resist high temperature, speed and load. The oil should flow freely at all operating temperatures, even on a frosty winter morning, yet should not thin out excessively with increase in temperature. Oils for automotive use should we well refined

and free from acids, moisture, resins, wax and asphalts, or ether impurities which may separate out or cause corrosion. Any two metal surfaces working together must wear if they come into contact, but they can bo separated by a film' of lubricating oil preventing contact, provided the oil has the property of "oiliness." Some oils have more of this property than others, and the more "oily" the oil, the better will it be able to penetrato between'the surfaces, cling to them, and protect them from wear. "Oiliness," the all-important factor in automotive lubricants, is a property possessed by some oils which enables it to reduce friction, and therefore to deduce wear. This property is inherent in certain types of crude oil to a greater extent than in

j others, and careless refining methods can easily destroy it. Behaviour of Good Oil Distribution of oil within the engine is an important factor. The lubricating system is designed to give effectivo distribution, provided the oil is not too thick. An oil which will not flow freely at the temperature prevailing when starting, will not give effective circulation, and the surfaces are starved of oil until such time as the lubricant is sufficiently warm to circulate. A lot of wear can take place before this happens, and, in point of fact, nearly half the total wear in an en-

gine occurs when starting up from cold. Oils all thin out with heat, but some thin out to a much greater extent than others, and a poor quality oil which is sufficiently fluid to flow at starting temperature may be much 100 thin at working temperature, and wear takes place. A good quality oil should not thin out excessively with heat, and will therefore be sufficiently fluid at low temperatures to give distribution and yet have sufficient body at working temperatures to give circulation. In other words, high quality lubricating oil resists change in body with change in temperature. Crude oils vary widely in composition and character. Some naturally endow a lubricating oil with the quality of resistance to heat, whereas others can only yield oils which thin out excessively. Efficient refining methods are essential for treatment of oils to remove harmful or undesirable substances, yet they preserve or foster the desirable features. The result of efficient refining of a well-chosen crude oil is a high quality lubricant. MOTOR HOLIDAYS IN BRITAIN An increase in the amount of holiday

touring in England is shown in the latest report of the Automobile Association of Great Britain. In June, over 25 per cent more touring itineraries were issued by tho A.A. than in the same month in 1931. Although it is admitted that restriction of finances and the popularity of holidaying at home are responsible to .'i certain extent, a report states that there i* direct evidence that with the improved conditions, an increased number of people are enabled to enjoy motoring holidays

once again. AUSTIN OAR CLUB A run for poor children has been arranged by the Austin Car foi August 20, and owners who are willing to

take part are requested to advise the committee. Rules for another reliability contest were drawn up at a recent meeting, while it is also proposed to hold a weekend rally to Taupo or Rotorua before the end of the year. Mr. R. Grierson has been elected chairman for the forthcoming year. THE HILLMAN "MINX " Robustness of construction and extremely comfortable riding are noteworthy features of the Hillman ' Minx, the ;first shipment of which arrived in Auckland recently. From the outset, the car gives an impression of liveliness, and lias none of the "baby" feel. There is ample room in both front seats, while the accommodation in the rear is also good, and long springs, coupled with hydraulic shock absorbers, result in comfortable riding at almost any speed over roads that would normally be treated with respect. The four-cylinder side-valve engine is of 1185 c.c., and provides a good turn of >speed. The car will, if required,

crawl aloiig on top at about four miles an hour, and accelerato away smoothly, while on second, which runs quietly, the pick-up is remarkable. Bendix duo-servo brakes are fitted", and the steering is light and accurate, with pronounced caster action. There is also included a feature known as "cushioned power," wlucli meahs the mounting of the anchorages ol the motor in large bushes. By this means f vibration has been largely overcome. Th< body is of pressed steel, and is exceptionally" robust in construction. Taken al - round, tho "Minx" is a most attractive small car of good performance and ap

pearance. PASOOE CUP TRIAL Preparations arc well in hand for the Fascoo Cup trial, which will be run on

August 20 under the auspices of tho Sports Motor-cycle club. This is an annual fixture, embodying approximately 250 miles of all conditions of roads, including a clay stretch. Lately there has been little interest in tho side-car class, most of the competition being between tho solo machines, and in order to strengthen the event a special trophy has now been donated for tho three-wheelers. Entries, of which there are usually a good number, close on Saturday, August 13.