MOTOR MOTES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 13 March 1925, Page 3

MOTOR MOTES.

Alocliol for Motor Fuel. France is one of the nations that lias taken alarm as to the source of the volatile fuel, and elaborate experiments have been undertaken to determine how far a mixture of alcohol and common hydro-carbon fuel can be made practicable. From a report on results so far attained, it 'ha.s been found that absolute alcohol is much better suited for admixture with hydro-carbons than when water is present. \Y ith an absolute form, about equal parts of the two liquids can make a stable mixture. Some adjustment of the motor is needed to secure efficient service, but this problem has been solved. It is claimed that the alcoholised fuel is less likely to produce knocking. The manufacture of an alcohol containing only traces of water by the ordinary methods is an expensive process. The committee investigating the matter has adapted a method devised by Sydney Young and used in certain French distilleries. ft consists in rectifying the alcohol in the presence of benzine. The distillate consists of benzine, water, and a small quantity of the alcohol; the greater portion of the latter remains in anhydrous form in the still. Operations of this character have been carried on to the amount of several thousand gallons per day. The problem of the denaturing of this alcohol has also been considered.

“Branding” Petrol. At the present time motorists, unless they see a tin of petrol opened, are not certain that they arc getting the particular brand of fuel that they desire. With 1 a view of overcoming this disability, experiments are said to have been carried out by large petrol supply concerns as to the feasibility of colouring petrol so that a brand could be recognised by its colour. A dye has been discovered which does not affect the quality of the fuel, and if colouring petrol is a practical proposition, it would be a move that all motorists would appreciate, for then they would be certain what they ordered was being poured into their petrol tanks.

Motor Cycle Notes. According to official figures, there are over 711,000 motor cycles in use in France. Jn one month last year more than 462,000,000 gallons of petrol were used by motorists in the United States of America.

By adjusting an exhaust valve too close the seat is liable to burn, causing loss of compression and resultant loss of power. Motor cycling is evidently a rather expensive hobby in Bahamas, British West Indies, where an import duty of .10 per cent is levied. The care of tyre valves has an important bearing on the upkeep cost of a motor cycle. If the little plungers are not working properly, the chances are that tlie machine is run a part of the time on improperly inflated tyres, with a consequent increase in the season's tyre costs. • « • • Sparks. A rear view mirror is of particular importance when backing the car. Ignition wires should never be allowed to He on or near the exhaust pipe, as the insulation will burn off and cause a .short circuit. A weak spring that allows the frame to strike bumpers should be removed, set up and re-tempered. Many motorists install an extra leaf, which is mb necessary, .and which makes the car ride harder. Air leaks duo to wear around the inlet valve .stems often cause loss of power.

The best remedy to apply to two surfaces that rub together and cause a squeaking noise is graphite grease. Six thousand miles of concrete highways were constructed in the United States during the past year, and 4000 miles of paved city .streets. The smallest cut in the rubber of the shoe should be .plugged up. If this is not done, sand will get in and tear the rubber from the fabric, and water will then rot the fabric. Motor Bandit: “Hands up, and keep ’em there. I’m going to take every used ear you 'have in this place.” Dealer: “Thank heaven, the problem is solved at last!” Tn the Manawatu County negotiations with the Main Highways Board are in progress for the approval of an expenditure of £IOO,OOO in bitumen treatment of 401 miles of main liigliwa vs.