RUBBER MOUNTINGS

Evening Star, Issue 22455, 28 September 1936, Page 13

RUBBER MOUNTINGS

Rubber enters more extensively every j-ear into the construction of cars, with benefits us varied as they are numerous. Not the least of advantage to the driver, the passengers, and the car itself is the provision of rubber “ cushions ” for the engine and gearbox unit. But rubber, in some of its applications (observes an expert), has drawbacks of a minor character due to the very feature that makes it so good a material from other viewpoints—viz., the case with which it is compressible when unconfined. One of the drawbacks may be experienced if and when need arises for the starting handle to be used in many cars with rubbermounted motors. There is a possibility that the “ claw ” end may not engage readily with the front end of the crankshaft. The reason will be that the latter has been allowed, by the impression or distortion of the rubber of the engine mounting, to move slightly out of alignment with the hole in the front cross member of the frame (or in a bracket on the latter) that forms the the starting handle shaft. ” hen that occurs the reason will generally bo either that the car is standing on uneven ground or that somebody at some time has been too i igorous, or not firm enough, in using a spanner to tighten the bolts and nuts that hold the engine down on its rubber cushions. In either case it is generally possible, however, to force the starting handle claw into engagement. If not, either the car must bo moved on to approximately level ground, or the mounting bolts must be slackened off or tightened a shade— which will befit be done at a service station. For this reason, all motorists, no matter what car they drive, should use the starting handle oxperimentallv at an early opportunity. If it will not engage properly while the car is on the level floor of its garage, the matter should be attended to before an emergency arises necessitating the turning of the engine by hand, for starting, testing the ignition, or any other reason, *