Preparing for the Summer

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22909, 11 December 1937, Page 12 (Supplement)

Preparing for the Summer

CAUSES OF OVERHEATING The hot weather in the next few months will find out the weak spots in cooling systems and cause overheating troubles. If the car has been in use for any length of time, it will benefit from a thorough flushing of the radiator and water passages. Washing soda well diluted in warm water is a good flushing medium. The mixture should bo put in the radiator, and the engine run so that most of the scale and rust is loosened. Then it Is drained off and the system flushed out with fresh, sort water until all signs of rust have disappeared. Then the drain plug is put in, and the radiator refilled for service. At the same time, it is worth looking at the water pump packing gland. The nut holding this may need a little tightening to stop a minor "weep" or, if there is a fairly bad leak, it may be advisable to replace the gland packing. Also check over the ignition setting, because if it has accidentally retarded itself, overheating will result. The same applies to a weak mixture, though it is difficult for the modern carburettor to fall out of adjustment. A very important thing in engine cooling is lubrication. With an old engine in which there may be a perceptible amount of wear, it may be distinctly advantageous to change to a somewhat heavier grade of oil for summer running. An oil that is too thin may be consumed too rapidly, and, becoming even thinner under the influence of excessive heat, may allow the engine to operate at a higher temperature than is-desirable. Most of the major oil companies have studied this question, and their charts issued to puWic garages it will often be found that a heavier grade of oil is recommended for a car for summer running, after a certain mileage has been covered.