BOILING POINT

NZ Truth, Issue 1210, 7 February 1929, Page 18

BOILING POINT

Temperature of Your Engine Amongst many motorists there is an impression that the cooler an engine runs the better. This is quite erroneous, for the most effective engine temperature .is near to boiling point (212 degrees F.). IT is only to avoid, excessive evaporation and the danger of steam-locks m the circulating system that the usual temperature is about 160-180 de T grees. The recent use of air-cooled engines on long-distance flights shows the perfect reliability of engines working at high temperatures, while the Bentley company has recently patented a steam-cooling system. Low running temperatures not only cause higher fuel consumption and loss of power; but hasten engine trouble, because more fuel finds Its way into the oil by condensation, lowering its lubricating efficiency. . ■ Therefore, cover portioiuof the radiator if the motometer does not show normal temperature after 30 minutes' running. Watch experts waiting for their turn m a hill-climb or speed event. The engine is started a long time before it is needed, and a rug thrown over the radiator until the heat indicator is showing at least 180 degrees. If the water is simmering gently at the finish judgment has been about right. Engines that make the water boil under ordinary, conditions are definitely faulty, "m SQme older models there may be a fault m design, such as water-jackets or radiator too small; but then all cars ' of that model , suffer similarly. Frequent causes are: Retarded spark; rich mixture; binding brakes; faulty pump; perished hose connection; clogged radiator; faulty oil or an insufficient quantity. For all these except clogged radiator the remedy is obvious.. In the latter case some parts of the radiator will be much hotter than others, instead of there being only a slight coolingroff towards the bottom. Caustic or washing soda m. the 1 water used to be a popular cleaner, but the modern tendency is to use some preparation such as Leggett's Radiator Solver, which cleans out- the dirt and 1 seals any small leaks which may be [ disqlosed m the process.