THE MOTOR WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21215, 22 December 1930, Page 4

THE MOTOR WORLD.

By ACCELERATOR.

MONEY IN NIGHTMARES. A Wisconsin jury recently gave a verdict for 1000, dollars to an athletic coach who, had a nightmare on the evening following a motor car collision. Rising in hie sleep to avoid another impending collision. he injured his hand by putting it through a. window. It was his contention that the injury was due to the nightmare, and the nightmare due to the shock caused by the real collision. It followed that the crivers of the other car, if they were to blame for the first collision, were also to blame for its later consequence. VALVE GRINDING. When grinding in the valves one should never turn the valve continuously in one cireetion.. This would produce ridges and grooves in the valve sealings and you 'would not get a, satisfactory finish. The ,b e fj way to do it is to turn the valve a half-turn backward and forward, occasionally lifting the valve from its seating so.as, to ensure good distribution of the grinding compound. For this purpose it is a good plan to insert a light spring ■ ua {} e f.^ the head of the valve, which will lift it automatically when pressure is released. There are tools sold by means of which the, valve can be turned automatically half a turn one way and threequarters of a turn in the reverse direction. 1 FOR MEMBERS ONLY. From Christmas the services; of the road patrolmen of the Canterbury Automobile Association will be available only to members or to those motorists who join up when help is needed. The" decision was made by the association the other evening. “ I don’t think we should have all these free services,” said Mr F. W. Johnston. Mr G. S. Morris supported him, and said that if motorists were too mean to join up, assistance should not he given by patrolmen to outsiders. The question of making a charge for non-members was under discussion. Mr J. S. Hawkes said that a man who dld not care to join when help was given should, be left where he was. Mr W. B. Carey also supported the restricted use of free services in view of actual experience. It was decided that unless a motorist not affiliated with a motoring otganisa* signs.‘up as • a member right away he be denied the free service now available through the patrolmen engaged by the association.’ r , r SAGE ADVICE, Many new motorists will be taking to the roads this Christmas (says H Chassis ” j n ,rS e ” un )> and many will be busy deciding on the summer tour. It is at this time that attention is called to the services which the various motoring Snsations afford. The staffs of ■ the, and associations are at the -service' of all members who seek information in connection with roads, camping, and other details of motoring. These motorists who intend to travel this touring season should join up with the motoring organisation in their district, if only for the benefit' to be gained through the concessions available under the, official hotel scheme. In a journey lees one may pay the petrol bill by the saving in hotel expenses. But there are many other reasons why every motorist should join up with' an association or club. For instance, the Canterbury and South Canterbury AesoSonthlf;7 he A ota?o^ lotor Club > and the southland Associations maintain road tn^[ lve ,belp in various ways dea ‘ re In addition, ve ry considerable legislative work % th& associations and clubs, the ° U - r system > tbe erection of, sign p ° B “.’ . th « improvement of roads, and the provision of camping facilities are a few of the ways in which being a member m a 5, otorm s b° d y means helping oneself as well as other motorists. If you are an entirely unselfish driver you will be on the roll ot motorists* AMBITION. Ca p tam Malcolm Campbell, Holed speed wSt wili ee hia+ l ?i ® Volv - e an au tomobile wh oh i, 6at all Previous records and ehow n.fjreat advance over the Si?™ 4 rrow * ™tb which the late Sir Segrave established the present world s record of 231 362 miles per hourf xr - e S';"’. car will be powered bv *■ Napier-Gloster supercharged Schneider wifi give v^ ich ’ i<; is computed, g -i tfa e vehicle a speed ranee of bel°l Captain <!ami nf Jmo 7 gm 0f , 20 ln aiming at a record S?J?. the last-named place, where he is power uniThs th \ ? round - So’ far the early m 1931, car will be ready TOAFFIC CONGESTION IN PARIS. pernlexln? one most g traffic Problems in the world 1.000,000,000 e° 1 s out Paris de •+ 1 3 bav® been carried eurroundine towns should be able to boast of a very efficient and expeditious traffic system aretohJoAW gIV i n § acc , ess the capital BtrUC J ed ’ and old ones widened fp’, l,ade J groUTld and overhead passages and roadways are to be con--BtTTt&d fikategio points, the old bridges over the Seine are to be widened, and several new ones constructed, many HfJwn Cr T lng ! a re to be eliminated through the broadening of intersecting streets, and, finally, a broad roadway completely encircling the corporate limits of f' aria built which will permit the flow of traffic from one suburb to another without the necessity of going through the city. INCREASING REVOLUTIONS. , One of the most important developments in automobile engine design of recent years has been the stepping up of the revolutions per minute. Less than 20 years ago, the four-cylinder power units, even in racing cars, ran at about 2500 r-P-m-J to-day racing engine speeds of 5000 to 6000 r.p.m. are not uncommon, whilst even passenger cars nowadays often touch between 3000 and 4000 revolutions. The object of this increase in engine speed is to obtain more power with the same cylinder displacement. This increased speed is gained by better balancing, of reciprocating parts, larger valves, different cam setting, and lighter pistons. The latter are now usually made of aluminium alloys instead of the heavier cast iron type, an additional advantage being that the alloy piston conducts heat away from, the piston head quicker than the heavier metal. That automobile engineers have been able to design and produce power units of extreme lightness and high efficiency that will stand up to sustained work for ■ long periods without engine fatigue is one of the wonders of the automobile age. An outstanding instance of higb “revving" was the recent performance of the little 7 h.p. Dunlop shod Austin, which won the English 500 miles race at an average speed of 83.4 m.p.h,, which called for the miniature engine (747 c.c.) “ revving" at some 5000 r.p.m. for over six hours. "WIZARD” SMITH’S EFFORT. Never has a man faced a big task with more confidence that Norman Smith, who next March intends making at attempt on a New Zealand beach to better the late Sir Henry Segrave’s record of 231.36 m.p.h. Not only is he confident of bettering the existing figures, but of adding at least 40 miles per hour to the world’s fastest land speed. The reasons for Norman Smith’s confidence is that he will have one of the finest and most efficient engines that Great Britain has produced ■ —giving off over one horse-power to every pound weight of metal. Although the “Hush Hush" Napier engine, of which no details are permitted .by, the British Government, develops twice the power of the engine in Segrave’s Dunlop-shod Golden Arrow, it

[ltems of nows—short descriptions, of tours, the state of the roftfe etc., comment, or inquiries will be welcomed by '•Accelerator.”!

bulks considerably smaller, enabling a wiii er v. Se Lu laclune J l ® constructed. It fiffLi • tbe i moa ? efficient engine ever ntted in a chassis, and its tremendous FniTTiVV, made 1 P° ss ibl e by perfect balanc--a g ’ . revolutions, and supercharging. Another important fact that makes Smith Kn,-f2?5^ ent 18 .wonderful beach at I*? 0 ,? he will make his attempt At the Daytona Beach (U.S.A.), an «fIb 1 i? h n Se | rave ’ 9 am Phell, and Keech all establisheed records of over 200 ra.p h., “?f e i 8 a nine miles stretch of suitable hard sand available; the timed cbdm 6 (W*t the central mile. Experts rts maximum speed-carrying fin Cl tL w S nearly been reached. e New Zealand beach there is a ° f perfect sand, bo hard alter the tide has receded that a heavy. tTf e ;n^ atlC i tyreC r \ e h*cle leaves no indenfnlKa ? hKhi feathering of the top Kbams of the hard sand, showing where he Wf l 6 tyres’has Kedover fW • of sand. Smooth as glass, dithprJnS Poetically no vibration or dithering of wheels. When Segrave rethedeOnld S la ? fireat drive at Daytona, ™ii x ■ Ai T ow ' through striking a r + ut ?? the beach, leapt 47 feet before touching the sand again. mn l * ormai * Smith's run at 160 m,pJi. for one mile and 140 m.p.h. for 10 New Zealand beach in Janucar'o^fbpl® examined the track of his tWo Band ’, ft ? d in no instance was there evidence of the wheels ever having bst contact with the hard Band; furS more, his car, even at 160 m.p.h., called tK« E °?r al effo i rt in steering; in fact, Sl n ,T klne il . almost steered itself. ** eaßons . for Noman tl^finJ?«a.t. confidence is.that he has tpo finest engine ever used bv anv conSS" for the world's speed B&e Riband, & tbat the Kaitaia S 7? many miles faster and considerwhfch Snu the , Da ytona Beach, upon h^?be^“ a t7bli C sL B er — ld ’ 8 -co^ds ney refenuf P °T* r Unit a " lved in Sydmade Iwlp - d evary effort i« being ness and K?nfow e T ing H orks of Harkin amnlp th « car finished March nlxt. ° r the great evenfc in making motors mind manager of General Motors Ncw ZeaS a bjjht ml or medium body oil and when used m a badly-worn engiia will bibri^f 1 - 80 a i certain extentf However i+« r iffitinK, systems are designed to onerate efficiently with.a certain grade of oil and if the oil used is too heavy to circuit e i8 P h°est r te fofi ? ng j.P e ma y damaged, of fo ? low , the recommendations of fi the factory in, the grade of oil “ n J^ firi * g of 4116 engine may cause damC( l rre . c ted in time. Every time cas th!i S f b^ l t= ln 3 ne of he cylinders the ? a8 “bat has been drawn into the cylinder is. not fired. Some of this unburned gas form°»T,^ XllaUst j d ’ but remains in liquid the ofl l^i 8 down pa ? fc the Pistons into ditutoi ennsmg the oil to be quality. h lm pairß its, lubricating . Jt is important that the spring shackle bolts be kept well to eMure com^ort^Tlfe^ ma , inta in riding The manufacturer’s recommenluhi?P<.t;oo Ul( f foll °y ed regarding the lubrication of the • spring leaves. ™i™T ep an engine operating efficiently, thl Ji appetß -?, hould bs adjusted so thax pntio« V?a T i Be ™ P ro Per]y when the engine is hot. Heated valve , stems ben slightly, and if there is not sufficient tappet clearance the extreme heat m the combustion chamber win burn and warp the valves, resulting in a loss of compression and " power. J is considered that rust is the Fnncipal agent.destructive to car finishes and that rust is the result of road di“ grime, and grit, the importance of regular becomes evident. Here is the 7 a 7 be done by anyone in less than a-haJf-hours time:—First, hose the car 3IL,^ old water ’, using the full stream without the nozzle, except on the under fl Pd ?l V A E Possible dirt is loosened and 0* , this way. especially if rubbed gently from .time to time with a thoroughly water-soaked sponge. Two sponges, known as “carriage sponges,’’ fclr® ?i? ed ’ one - for *be . body and the other for the running gear. After flushing the entire car with cold water, the chassis should be washed first with large spongefuls of soap and water and thor- £ nse 4' th f body with cold water, then dry with a chamois. Only distilled water or,- in an emergency, ram water, caught in a glass conmwneJ- ?M? u i d be bsed in stofapp batteries, ine distillation process leaves the iron and other minerals behind and rain water does not contain these ingredients, therefore, there m nothing that will be harmful to the battery _ Battery. liquid is a diluted sulphuric acid solution in which the evaporation is confined to the water. Acid should never be added except under unusual circumstances and in accordance wrth the advice of a competent battery man. ihe only care ordinarily required is to keep the liquid replenished with distilled water to a level about three-eighths ,01 an inch above the plates. • thin oil film between moving parts is really .what protects the automobile engme against wear. The, oil i 8 kept clean by the oil filter—the device through which innnn p ?, sses and is.filtered. After about iu.ooo miles of driving it is important to replace the oil filter cartridge. Uusnallv at this mileage it has become filled with dirt, sludge and other foreign matter taken trom the oil and ceases to function at its highest efficiency in keeping the oil film clean* It/ia just as important to carry a kit r L? are pulbs for headlights and taillights; as it is to have the car equipped with spate tyres. <f One-eyed" cars are dangerous on the highway. Occasionally a lamp fails when it is urgently needed, and a nel Y one cannot be conveniently purchased. The kit of spare bulbs then saves the day. A n engine will run with an improper carburettor adjustment, but a correct adjustment is necessary to obtain good economy and performance. As a rule, carburettors will maintain a given adjustment indefinitely. If there ie lack of power, first make sure that the engine has good compression and that the ignition is properly timed and functioning satisfactorily. After this the carburettor should be adjusted to obtain a good mixture. With these three fundamentals—namely, good compression,, good ignition, and good mixture, no trouble should be experienced in having the engine perform properly. ■ If the, generator is driven by a belt, a reduction in the charging rate may be caused by belt slippage. If the ammeter indicates a charging rate that is below normal, examine the belt. It may require adjusting. The modern engine demands the highest type of spark plug performance and an intense spark is essential for its operating efficiency. Perfect plug performance is important, whether it is obtained by cleaning and resetting the points or by buying new plugs. As to resetting, -a gauge should be used and the adjustment should be made in_ accordance with the manufacturers' specifications.

MORRIS MOTORS DISTRIBUTORS? At a complimentary dinner tendered in Wellington on Monday evening last to Mr S. G. K. Smallbone. secretary and director of Morris Motors, Ltd., the announcement was made of the appointment of the Dominion Motors, Ltd,, to the control and distribution of Morris cars and commercial vehicles in ‘ the Dominion. Among the guests were the Acting Prime Minister (Mr E. A. Ransom). Mr D. J. MGowan (president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce), Mr R. S. Dyball (Australasian representative of Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd.), and Mr D. K. Leed (New Zealand representative for the same company). Mr C. J. B. Norwood (chairman of directors of the Dominion Motors, Ltd.) presided.. Morris Motors, Ltd., comprising a group of companies under the control of Sir William Morris, is the largest purely English manufacturer of motor vehicles in the world. The Dominion Motors, Ltd. ■with head office, 10 branches, and 80’ points of distribution, is in the front

rank of motor interests in the Dominion. Its capital, direction, and staff, numbering over 300, are supplied entirely by New Zealanders. The company has grown from a very modest concern in 1911 to one of very big dimensions, with an annual turnover in normal times in excess of £1,000,000.. T At Monday’s function, Mr C. J. B. Norwood (chairman of directors), in proposing the toast of Mr Smallbone. stated that he was very happy in his present association. The expansion of the British motor trade in New Zealand had been made possible by the New Zealand Government increasing the preference on British products, and he felt that the move had been a logical and far-sighted one from the viewpoint of our national future. Though Dominion Motore was undertaking a business of great magnitude and importance in a time of stress, he looked forward to the future with confidence. Mr Smallbone, in reply, stated that he was particularly sensible of the honour done him, and especially of the presence of the Acting Prime Minister. . He wanted it to be understood that his company had approached Dominion Motors, and that whatever difficulties had been attendant upon a departure in policy in the appointment of a controlling distributor had been overcome in a most gratifyinE> way, and with the co-operation of the existing Morris, organisation in New Zealand. Replying to the toast of “ The Government, proposed by Mr D. J. M'Gowan, Mr Ransom congratulated Dominion Motors and Morris Motors on an association which seemed to him % P lO3 * „ fortunate one. The New Zealand Government, as far as its own departments- were concerned, was giving preference to British cars and trucks wherever possible, and would continue to do so. He was confident that thb Dctminion would emerge from the present troublous times ana enter npon a new SSfetertSth. I'’ 1 '’ “ tnt, “ The function terminated with a presentation to Mr Smallbone by Mr A. W. MOTOR CYCLE NOTES. A French firm has produced a 495 e.e. vertical twin-engined motor cycle with unit construction, shaft drive, multi-gear* and a pressed steel frame. * * * It has been reported that a North of England engineer has discovered " new impulses •in a single cylinder petrol engine, which gives three explosions each revolution. * * * Almost the first British motor cycle waa a , four I the Holden—while in 1904, the 13 inks four-cylinder was introduced; it had .mechanically operated valves and a chain drive. ate * 1 * An old-established British motor cycle, the. Matchless, is being produced in a four-cylinder, model. The new mount, has an overhead camshaft engine, four-speed gear box, spring frame, coil ignition, and many other refinements. It is designed to range from 6 miles to 80 miles an hour in top gear. . SPARKS. The. minute you save may be your laet one. ♦ * ♦ Fifteen miles an hour may be a chill, but 50 is a fever. ♦„ ♦ ♦ In 1902 there were 245 different ear manufacturers in the United States of America. At.present there are only 45. * * ♦ Seventy-four new members were elected by the Canterbury Automobile Association last week, a total of 269 for two months. ♦ * „If you intend to go to the lakes this Christmas via Hindis Pass take chains (advises “Chassis”). The road is under reconstruction for some distance., *■ ♦ ♦ Customer: And how much do I owe you for the extra oil? “What oil?” “ The oil yon left on the upholstery.” ♦ * * A suggestion that an index of signposts similar to. that adopted in Southland be made was advanced at the meet..of the Canterbury Automobile Association last . week. - • . ♦ . * * ; Husband: You’re going for a drive with me, aren't you? 1 Wife: I'm not the person to back out. Husband: No. It would be better for the garage if I did. * ♦ * the first motor car salesman sold the first motor car to the 1 first daring motorist he probably warned him, “ Don't ride your clutch! ” And that warning has been issued about 50,000,000 times B, ?ce It stiir holds good. It's a rule which should be obeyed always, * * * It is claimed that brake squeak,can be prevented without loss of brakifig efficiency by .painting the surface of the shoes woth a mixture made of a little powdered graphite in petrol. At the first or second application of the brakes after this treatment they may not be fully effective, but thereafter it is said that their power -will, if anything, be increased, while squeaking will completely ■ disappear.