HINTS AND TIPS

Shannon News, 5 July 1927, Page 1

HINTS AND TIPS

Vacuum Tank Tip—lt sometimes happens with a vacuum tank that if the petrol tank is allowed to run dry, upon running the main tank tlie vacuum, tank refuses to function. The trouble is probably due to_one of the valves sticking. If the air vent is closed with one finger, the system will at once commence to function again, and, owing to tho fresh supply of fuel wetting the valve, it will continue to do so.

Helping Springs to Break.—Springs break most frequently at their centre, particularly in the case of springs that are held together by means of a centre bolt, since the hole through Vhich the belt- passes has a tendency to weaken the spring at its most vulnerable pla,ce.

The likelihood of a spring to give away at this point is still further increased by looseness of the spring clips, which makes periodical examination of these clips, a commendable practice.

Replacing Small Screws. —When small screws have to be replaced it is often difficult to start them with the fingers. Electricians and watchmakers get over the difficulty with forceps or magnetised screwdrivers. Neither of these, however, is likely to be available in the tool box, but the difficulty can be got over as a general rule by covering the tip of the screwdriver with thick grease to which the screw will adhere while it is being started.

Petrol Tank Repair.—A leaky seam in a petrol tank can be temporarily repaired by painting the joint with shellac. If shellac is not available almost any kind of soap thoroughly worked into the seam will prove effective. A petrol tank requiring soldering should be handled with extreme caution. After the petrol has been drained the tank should be blown out with compressed air so that all explosive fumes will be dissipated. Filling the tank with water is an even better precaution. If the tank is fitted with a strainer take advantage of the opportunity and clean it out when the tank is removed.