A Safe Rule

Progress, Volume X, Issue 2, 1 October 1914, Page 63

A Safe Rule

The right thing to do is to experiment with a view to discovering what is the heaviest high-grade

oil possible to use. Provided the lubricating system will deal with a heavy variety, use it even though it does make the engine rather difficult to crank, since it undoubtedly makes the pistons hold the compression better and, in many other ways, is inherently economical. The question of starting up can be got over by judicious priming, and in this regard a good plan would be to fit a small priming cup high up on the induction branch to be used just before cranking. Some motorists use a cup of this description and prime with kerosene immediately after the day's work, but, on the whole, this practice stands condemned. It results in the kerosene condensing in the cylinders and then percolating into the crank chamber, where it acts as a diluent and so affects the viscosity of the oil. Of course, if the car is already fitted with priminsr cups 1o each cylinder, all the better, as this enables the pistons to be freed instanter. Petrol can be used with advantage immediately before starting. It ensures a rich mixture, it does not act as a diluent and it frees the pistons.