THE MOTOR WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20781, 29 July 1929, Page 4

THE MOTOR WORLD.

By ACCELERATOR.

FIXTURES. NORTH OTAGO MOTOR ASSOOIA-• TTOX. y■luly 30.—Annual general meeting at “The Bungalow,” at S p.ni.; Address b.v Air •I. 11. Pennington on ” The Lubrication of the Automobile,” OTAGO MOTOR CLUB. August 13. —Otago Motor Club monthly general meeting. Address by Sir Hayward on “ The Four-speed Gear Box.” September 10. —Monthly general meeting, i Address by Mr James Young j (Timarn) on “ The Battery ami Ignii . tion.” MOTOR CYCLE SECTION. OTAGO MOTOR CLUB. August 17.—Camberley scramble. August 21.—Monthly meeting, September 7.—Speed judging contest. September IS.—Monthly meeting. October 16.—Monthly meeting. October 28.—Labour Day trial. November 9.—Dirt track (date subject to confirmation). November 20.—Monthly meeting. November 23.—Beach races. December 7.—Waimate rally. A DANGEROUS PRACTICE. I have received a complaint with reference to the practice followed in leaving the parking place in Crawford street. The by-law makes it imperative to drive out of a parking place where it is situated in the centre of the street. Some motoi'ists back out. and this has resulted in collisions. If this habit is not quickly cured a serious accident will happen. Besides, it is a breach of the bylaws, and that is enough to make the practice risky. A £SOOO CAR. *A £SOOO car, which is one of a series of 30 being built by the Bugatti Company, recently won an award for elegance in Paris. It is a straight eight with a 14-litre engine. The power is so great that only two gears are fitted, and fDistorting on the level top is customarily used. The crankshaft has nine watercooled bearings, and there are three overhead valves in each cylinder. America has produced a similar huge luxury car, the 265 h.p. Duesenberg eight. A four-seater sports tourer has done 116 miles per hour on the track, and in the second - gear 89 m.p.h. can be attained. The chassis of this large-powered car alone cost £2280. THE HOOTER’S LIFE. After it has vocalised 150,000 honks, a motor horn is worn out. This period of life' for a noisy but necessary accessory has been determined in the Chrysler engineering laboratories in Detroit (U.S.A.), where there are horns bleating and howling and snarling and muttering night and day until they give a last despairing grunt and cease to function. But the Chrysler laboratory is not a bedlam, for all this noise. It is not even as bad as a city street when some unfortunate driver stalls his motor, because all the tests are carried out in a sound-proof room. An insensate ‘ mechanism counts the honks which the horn delivers under the urge of an automatic switch, and when the horn has ceased to function the mechanism has the total counted. The average is 150,000. MOTORING COST.

It is curious that, in view of its importance to prospective motorists, no attempt seems to have been made to work out a formula of cost (remarks " Focus ” ,in the Auckland Herald). Take the largest item—depreciation—which many ingenuous persons say they do not count. By deciding not to count petrol or repairs the cost could be still further reduced by this method. Whatever people say, the fact remains that at one time they had, say, £350 in cash, a little later £350 in motor car value, and iu a few years only, say, £IOO in value.

Depreciation depends chiefly on the price of the car and to a less extent on the distance run. Of the other items repairs and replacements depend chiefly on distance (given reasonable care). petrol on distance run, and on the character of •the car which in practice usually varies roughly with the price, tyres largely on distance run, car x insurance solely on the value, whereas third-party insurance registration is the same for all cars without relation to distance.

Depreciation is greatest in the first ycar„ and then decreases; repairs and replacements increase with time; between the two the rate is fairly constant. Any formula, then, should be in terms of car price atid distance run, and the second of these may be expressed in terms of petrol used. A suggested formula is: One-sixth of the car price plus three times the cost of petrol to give the annual cost of running a car. For example, a £2OO car does 40 miles an hour and runs 5000 miles a year. Onesixth of £2OO is £33, and 125 gallons of petrol at Is lOd a gallon is £l4, and three ■times that £42, making the total cost £75. DRIVER FOR 300 M.P.H. CAR. It was announced by cablegram this week that Kaye Don has been chosen to drive the £25,000 car which Louis Coatalen, of the Sunbeam Company has designed to compete against any American challengers to Sir Henry Scgrave's record of 231 miles an hour. The new car is expected to be capable of nearly 300 miles an hour, and research work has already commenced at the Sunbeam works. It is already practically certain that there will be one American challenger, a Packard design with an aero engine. Tommy Milton, the famous Indianopolis driver, is expected to lake the wheel.

Don has been very conspicuous in European racing during the last two years, although he has not had experience of the class'of ear with which Segrnve and Campbell arc familiar. Don has, however, had extensive experience with the ■typo of racing machine capable of speeds up to 150 miles an hour, and his acceptance of an opportunity to try out a vehicle capable of nearly double this speed is characteristic of his daring. Only this week news arrived by cablegram of another signal performance by Don. On Brooklnnds * track-last Monday he raised the record for the mile from a standing start to 100:j m.p.h. The previous record of 98J m.p.h. was created in 1926 by the late Parry Thomas, who was killed speeding on Pendine Sands. Last August Don won the Ulster T.T. 410-mile event at 04 m..p.h. He drove a supercharged Lea Francis on that occasion. Don will drive the same ear in the Ulster T.T. next month. Ho has been using a Sunbeam lately for Brooklands work, and in March he raised the lap record to 13IJ m.p.h. in the same ear , in which he has just made tile new standing start mile record. This f?unbeam is a six cylinder 1988 c.c, model with two overhead camshafts ami sheet metal water-jackets. Dry sump lubrication is employed, ami the supercharger is driven direct from the crankshaft. The petrol tank holds 29 gallons and the wheelbase is S feet 6rf inches

[R«nii o! nCTTi—short descriptions, of tours, the state of the toads, •to., comment, or inquiries will be welcomed by " Accelerator. 'I

THE DOMINION .REGISTER. At the cud of May the Dominion register of motor vehicles. passed the 200,000 marie, and Juno, commenced'-w;itii '200,061 -cars, commercial vehicles;- 'amhv ; motor cycles on the books. The number included 10,741 dormant registrations of vehicles still believed to exist, but it may be assumed that this figure about represents the number of cars which arc standing in second-hand vehicle showrooms, or lying stripped in some backyard. There arc therefore just under 184,000 vehicles with current licenses in service. The aggregate of 200,001 includes 133,433 cars, 37.707 motor cycles, 25,801 motor trucks, 2375 miscellaneous vehicles, 1225 buses. At the end of February an analysis was made of the 131,403 cars then on the register and some very interesting statistics showing the numbers of different makes were obtained. • At that time there were 26,769 trucks and buses listed and these were also classified. Following are details of the cars on the register at the end of February:—

In practically all cases the above table includes ears of all ages, but there are examples where the older models of certain makes, although still in service, were not computed. The total of 121 Paige and Graham Paige cars includes only those sold during the last two years. Older models are included in the total of 12,571 unnamed cars. , In the case of the 112 Vauxhalls, only models since April, 1927, are included.. The Durant figures cover only sales since last November, and the older four cylinder Durant which was produced for some years is embraced by “ other makes.” The Trojan figures similarly relate only to "bars since April, 1928, while the Swift figures r'’ate to the period since April, 1927. Apart from these cases the table gives a record of the individual makes on the road. Following are details of the buses,' trucks, and vans on the register at the end of February:— Ford .. .. 11,817 OverlandChevrolct 3,335 Crossley .. 98 Interna- A.E.C. .. 97 tional .. 1,312 Daimler .. 93 Graham .. 819 Garford 89 Republic 740 G.M.C. 89 Morris .. Gl9 Fisher .. 79 Leyland 563 Guy .. 78 Reo .. .. 495 Karrior - 74 Thornycroft 481 Borliet ~ 72 Dennis .. 429 Bean .... 53 Whippet 349 Fiat .... 48 White .... 334 WillysDpdgc .. 303 Knight .. 38 ..Stewart .. 273 Trojan .. 33 Commerce 24G Mason .. 27 Albion .. 243 Burford .. 25 Vulcan .. 171 Commer .. 22 United .. IG7 Maudslay 13 Federal- Rugglos .. H Knight .. 14G S.P.A. .. 10 Bessemer 139 Mack .... G Denby .. 134 Other makes 2395 Clydesdale 103 Brockway 99 Total 26,709 In the oases of the Overland-Crossley. Bean, Ruggles, and S.P.A., the figures cover ouly the sales or registrations since April, 1927. The Willys-Knight and Trojan figures cover the period since April, 1928.

PRIMARY DRIVE CHAINS. It is quite usual for manufacturers to use a light primary chain with a high speed engine. The reason for this is that the whole time the engine is running centrifugal force causes a tendency for the chain to fly outward as it passes round the sprockets. Thus, the heavier the chain the more weight is thrown outward and the greater the load imposed on the internal bearing surfaces of the chain. A light chain of adequate strength ns a rule gives better service than a heavy chain, even though the latter may be the stronger in tension. , GEAR RATIOS. Motor cycles are geared too high. This is a sweeping statement, but in the main it is true. Of course, many riders like their engines pulling a high top gear. To have one’s machine just ticking over at “ forty ” is pleasant, but a high gear means poor acceleration, frequent gear changing, and makes for inflexibility. With elo.se ratio gears, or a four-speed box having a third gear only a little lower than top, a high top gear is a very real advantage to the man who uses his gears; it is available for fast work and use in favourable conditions. As a rule, however, it will be found with a wide ratio thrcc-spccd box that, an all-round improvement in performance is obtained by the use of a top gear slightly lower than standard. : For high averages there is nothing like a low top gear. JUNIOR T.T. The full report of the Junior T.T. British race just to hand gives an account of the performances of the 2J camshaft Veloccttcs. Of eight Veloccttcs in the race, seven finished in the first 13 places, namely, fiist, thiid, fifth, sixth, seventh, eleventh, and twelfth, and the other Vefocettc crashed when running in fourth place. This ns a performance of reliability is unsurpassed in the history of the race The winner, F. G. Hicks, established a race record, and also a record for the fastest lap ever done in this event. His aieragc time of 69.71 miles an hour is

astounding for a 2} motor cycle, and the fastest lap was done at 70.95 miles an hour. A. Bennett, Volccettc, was third, with an average speed of 69 miles an hour. This rider won last year’s event on a Vclocette. Hall (Velocottc), the winner of the South African T.T., was sixth. Forty-three machines started, and 16 finished, and out of this number to finish the course seven were Volocette. Hicks, the T.T. winner, has since won the 200 miles side-car race at Brooklauda for 2J machines at an average speed of 70.7 miles an hour. During the race Hicks hit a wall, bent his footrest, but did not spill, making a wonderful recovery by skilful riding. He i eceii ed a tremendous ovation from the gi eat crowd who witnessed the race. During the last four years the Ve'loccttc lias non the I.T. race three times and finished second on the fourth occasion. MOTOR CYCLE NOTES Cabled advice has been received that Sunbeam motor cycles won the Belgian and the Hungarian Grand Frix. Valve bounce is the failure of .-the valves to return properly to their seatmgs when the engine is.running at high speed. Tins is usually duo to weak valve springs. The term ‘‘back pressure” is used to denote that undesirable pressure caused by an obstruction in the exhaust system. If excessive this may cause overheating and poor running.

In the London-Edinbnrgh trial 1929 Matchless motor cycles obtained 100 per cent, result. Four Matchless motor cycles entered, gaining four gold medals and special silence prize. This was a grint performance.

Advice has been received from England to the effect that A. Dcnley, on a 350 c.c. A.J.S. motor cycle broke* three worlds records as follow;—Two hours at 93.35 miles an hour, 200 miles at 93.42 miles an hour, three hours at 92.87 miles an hour.

Overlap ” is the short period between the end of the exhaust stroke and the beginning of- the induction stroke during which both valves are open at the same time. The exhaust valve closes “ late ” and the inlet valve opens “ early ” to allow for the comparatively sluggish movement or “lag” of the gases.

An interesting feature of the two-stroke Coventry Eagle with flywheel magneto is that the intensity of the spark is unchanged when the ignition is retarded and the range of advance and retard is theoretically unlimited; this has the effect of giving smooth running and even firing at very low speeds.

The suggestion of Mr W. F. Marsh at the meeting of the motor cycle section of the Pioneer Sports Club concerning insurance is a good one (says “ Chassis ” in Christchurch Sun). He pointed out that when a person is killed on .the road and the car is not traced no insurance is paid under the third party risk.' His good idea is that a proportion of insurance should be paid by all the companies listed under the Government’s scheme.

SPARKS. Of the staff of Geueral Motors (N.Z.), Ltd., at Petone, 99.25 are New Zealanders. * * * Tests are being carried out by the French War Department with a Diesel oil engine in an army tank. * * r,: North: Yes, certainly I understand women. West; Well, what do they mean when they hold out their hand in the ear ahead ? On cipld mornings Big Tree Motor Oil lows instantly and freely—perfect lubrication the moment you step on the starter.—Advt. * * ♦ Imports of motor spirit into New Zealand during the first five months of 1929 totalled 22,298.810 gallons. The quantity of niineral lubricating oil imported in the same period was 1,316,314 gallons. ❖ * * The breakage of a battery cable terminal can be temporarily remedied by crimping sheet lead around the bared copper cable and cutting a hole for the battery screw. > * * If. you haven't tried Big Tree Motor Spirit yet there’s a new delight in driving ahead of you.—Advt. * * * If a wheel has to be removed on a hill and it is desired to release the brakes to facilitate the work the car. can be kept from moving by tying one of the front wheels to the bumper with a short length of rope. *. * * A small piece of rubber tube in the tool kit will mend nine out 3 of ten petrol pipe breakages on the road. A leaky tank is a problem, but common soap will often seal a small fissure. Plnsticene will also serve, and chewing gum is useful.

Occasionally the jack will not depress sufficiently to fit under the axle in the case of a puncture. A simple trick is to drive the punctured wheel bn to the spare tyro laid flat on the ground. The clearance will then be adequate to adjust the jack. Everywhere in town; miles out on lonely roads, Big Tree Pumps deliver bigger and smoother mileage to discriminating motorists. —Advt. * * * A motorist who owns one of those small cars which everybody makes jokes about was recounting an experience to a friend. “ I had a bit of luck coming up the other day,” he said. " I ran into a trap. ’ ,f Is that so,” said his so-called friend gravely. ‘"Was there any cheese in it? " During the first five months of 1020 a total of 11,023 cars, chassis, and commercial motor vehicles was imported into New Zealand. In the same period of last year the aggregate was 5508. The import value of the quota for the five months of 1929 is £1.740,621. Petrol taxes, tyre duty, and annual license fees on motor Vehicles returned a revenue of £1,243,577 in the year ended March 31 last. This is the first full financial year in which the petrol tax has been operative. In Ihe year 1027-28 it had been in force only three months. The pctiol tax is yielding in excess of the anticipated revenue of £730.000 a year. * sk * Music in the motorist’s ear—the soft, ilij tlnnic hum of the smooth running engine powered by Big Tree.—Advt.

Total. Per Cent. Ford 25.42 Chevrolet . 12.07!) 9.18 Dodge 7.43 lintel: # . . .. • .. . . 9.406 7 oo Whippet . 0.604 ' " ' 5.02 Essex . (3,384 4.85 Studebakcr ' 3.90 Austin 2.95 Chrysler .. ,. . . 3.142 2.p8 Rugby (Star) .. . 8.001 2.28 Morris O 0\\ Hupmobilc . 2,824 2.14 Oakland . 2.810 2.13 Hudson . 2.437 1.85 Willys-Knight .. . . 1.732 1.31 Oldsmobilc . 1,495 1.13 Nash . 1,482 1.12 Fiat . 1.284 .97 Standard . ' 8(38 .06 Rover . 785 .59 Pontiac 721 .54 Plymouth 702 ■ .53 Rrskine . 554 .42 Wolseley 553 .42 Singer , 500 .38 Cadillac . 455 .34 Humber 445 .33 Crosslev 437 .33 Armstrong-Siddley 330 .25 Sunbeam 315 .23 Citroen 298 OO Packard .. .... . 270 .20 Clyno 225 .17 Reo 224 .17 Dean 194 .14 Talbot 193 .14 Velie 190 .14 De Soto . 167 .12 Paige 121 .09 Hillman .. ,, ,, . 116 .08 Vauxhall 112 .08 Durant . 90 .00 Triumph 44 .03 Swift 20 .01 Minerva 14 .00 Trojan , 13 .00 Other makes .. . . 12,571 9.56 .Total .131,463 I