CORRECT TYPE ESSENTIAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18629, 26 July 1930, Page 10

CORRECT TYPE ESSENTIAL.

There are many factors which have a bearing on the proper functioning of a spark plug, which may not be understood by the majority of motorists. It is a mistaken idea to suppose that one plug, if only of a good make, will function equally well in all engines. Mechanical strength and electrical efficiency will not of themselves ensure the satisfactory functioning of a plug in service. In itself, a plug may be perfect, yet according to engine conditions it has to meet, it may either oil or soot up, or give rise to preignition. If the correct sparking plug is selected it will seldom cause trouble. When a plug soots up and a dry black deposit of soot forms on the insulator, the cause is usually with the mixture, which is too rich, choke-tube too small, too little air, or unsuitable fuel. The remedy is to clean the plugs, correct the carburettor setting, and, if necessary, use plugs with a lower heat resistance. When the plug has fouled with oil, and a wet oily deposit of soot is found inside the plug, the cause may be attributed to leaky piston rings, too much oil in the crankcase or plugs unsuitable. In this case, after the engine has been put right, it is advisable to use a foul-proof plug. If the body of a plug becomes coloured by heat, it indicates that the plug is not tightened

up enough and probably no packing ring on the plug seating. Any of the above troubles will cause bad engine starting, misfiring when

running slowly on top gear, and a loss of power. Leading spark-plug manufacturers make their plugs in various patterns, graded on the scientific principle of heat resistance, which is a j guide to users in choosing the right j sort of plug for their engines. Many makes of efficient and dependable plugs are marketed in Auckland, and in most instances in a wide range of types to suit various engine conditions. This enables those motorists who experience plug troubles, to select the make and type that ensures satisfactory results. NOTES. In 1929 the British Minister of Transnort did not allow a single request by local authorities for a special speed limit. Gentleman: “I want a pair of ladies’ driving gloves.” Shop Assistant: “Yes, sir. Do you want expensive ones or are they for your wife?” It is related that the police of Constantinople in a recent raid made wholesale removal of mirrors attached to the windshields of taxi-cahs, which a new regulation forbids. it seems that a number of drivers had been so interested in watching their passengers in the mirrors that they neglected the operation of their cars and so sometimes crashed into other cabs.

One of the best slogans carried on the London trams during National Safety Week was: “Insurance cannot replace a life.”

There are 34,876,837 motor vehicles in the world, 76 per cent, of which are in the United States, according to a return compiled by the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce.

Development of the roads in Madagascar is resulting in steady progression of the motor movement, there now being over 2000 cars in use, as compared with about 1500 a year ago.

Few people realise that it is woman, Dame Ethel Locke-King, to whom they are indebted for Brooklands Track. Dame Locke-King takes a great interest in Brooklands and its improvements, with a view to making race meetings oven more popular with the public.