“SUN” SERVICE STATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 662, 14 May 1929, Page 12

“SUN” SERVICE STATION

fTHB 'Molordora'' section ol The Sun Includes In Its service to readers a ■A Queries and Answers Department, the object or which Is to give accurate Information regarding mechanical and touring subjects. Whatever the particular puzzle may be in either diagnosing Irritating troubles, or motoring information of any kind, "Headlight” will endeavour to help, or refer the point to men who are recognised automobile experts in their respective tines. All communications must be accompanied by the inquirer's name and address (not for publication), and sent to THE SUN "Service Station, Motordom,” THE SUN Auckland. Answers will appear weekly in this column.

A.B. —My small daughter kindly removed the cap off the petrol tank on the car during the recent wet weather, and I feel certain that there is water in the tank. Fortunately there is only a very little petrol there but if I start the engine it will be sucked through, c * * Here is a homely suggestion that might be useful. Take a piece of chamois, wet it thoroughly, and after wringing it out, make it into a small pad. Fix this to the end of a long supple stick. Probe this about in the tank and any water with which it comes into contact will be absorbed by the pad. C.L.W. —I have a 1924 model Ford car. I would like to get some advice about when going along a level road there is a grinding noise. The faster I go. the worse it gets. . Going uphill the noise stops. Also, when running in neutral there is no grinding. I would be pleased if you could give me some idea as to where the trouble is. From the indications you mention, the noise apparently comes from the differential, and I suggest that the rear axle should be taken down, and a new crown wheel and pinion fitted. During this operation, the bearing sunporting the drive pinion should be inspected for wear. “Dodger.” —Having lust bought a ’23 Dodge, which I wish to overhaul and put in good condition, before putting on the road, I should be very much obliged to you if you will kindly tell me, (1) where I con obtain diagrams and particulars of this model car, uarticulaily so .with regal'd, to the

ignition system, and the pressure oil feed, both of which are strange to me. (2) Also, what materials to use for reenamelling the mudguards, and (3) reconditioning the hood (black), and how to apply same. (1) The lubrication system of the 1923 Dodge was a simple pump supplying oil to troughs under the big ends, and then splash. Wiring diagrams are not available, and written explanations of diagrams are not usually satisfactory, but you will receive all the information you require if you call on the service manager of Northern Automobiles, Ltd., Albert Street. Answers to questions (2) and (3), being too long for publication, have been sent you by letter. “Buick.”—Could you give me any information regarding stiff steering? My car is a 1925 model Buick (front wheel brakes). At times the steering is so stiff that it requires both hands to turn the wheel. When the front wheels are off the ground, the wheels turn quite easy and smoothly with no signs of tightness anywhere, and as soon as the car is taken out, the trouble occurs and makes driving very hard w;ork. I have had the steering taken down, and there is no sign of undue wear on any particular part. Are the front tyres sufficiently inflated? If all the parts are free when the car is jacked up and no undue play is noticed in any of the joints, it is reasonable to suppose that the trouble is in the steering box, and parts therein may require renewal, particularly the half nuts, thrust [blocks, etc.