MOTORDOM

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 148, 13 September 1927, Page 7

MOTORDOM

By

HEADLIGHT

Oil consumed by motor vehicles in the United States last year totalled 660,000,000 gallons. A prolonged period of damp weather will cause noises to develop around the body of a car. ** * * Lubricating oil imported into New Zealand during the first six months of 1927 totalled 1,561,321 gallons.

It is painful to see the way some peopl€» are giving signals to the traffic inspectorsT * * * See that dust caps cover all valve stems. Dust caps not only protect the valve stems from injury, but also add greatly to the finished appearance of the car. Drive at all times in such a manner as not to endanger the life, limb or property of another. This should be the Golden Rule of Motordom. m * w Tighten all car parts regularly and drive at a speed which will not cause vibration. Vibration helps to chip off paint and enamel, besides weakening the car. Do not give oil cups on generator, starter motor and electrical equipment more than one or two drops of oil when lubricating the car. Too much oil may short-circuit the electrical mechanism. * * • Experiments a.re about to be made in London with a new form of traffic beacon, known as the wire-suspension, cross-street type, with the word “caution” prominently displayed. The Citroen Company in France, popularly known as the Ford factory of Europe, is now producing 220 cars a day. This company produces the largest number of motor-cars of any European manufacturer. * * * A total of 1,945 motor-cycles, valued at £88,985, were imported into New Zealand during the first six months of 1927. In the corresponding period of 1926 the number was 2,046 machines, and the value £94,207. Slow leaks often are traceable to bad valves. The valve is the first point at* which suspicion should be directed in case the tyre slowly begins to lose pressure. Eventually, the spring of the best valve shows wear. Most speedometer trouble is caused by lack of lubrication of cable. It is advisable to oil the cable and housing by disconnecting the top coupling and pouring at lc;ast three tablespoons of oil into housing. The turning of the cable will distribute the oil.

Visitors to Paris, watching 1 the endless swirl of fast-moving traffic, so different from the .leisurely procession of motor-omnibuses in London, often wonder how many cars there are in the French capital. At the beginning of the present year there were exactly 145,665 motor vehicles in Paris. This total includes nearly 88,000 private cars and 16,440 taxi-cabs. It does not include motor-cycles.

ENGINE OVER-COOLING HOW IT CAN BE AVOIDED DEVELOPMENT OF FULL POWER The evil effects of an engine which gets too hot are well known. Most owners have had experience of them, and know that the conditions can b* very worrying; but how many have, without knowing it, driven engines which were being maintained at far too low a temperature—on the verge of coughing and sneezing, as it were—and giving all the mechanical equivalents of influenza or a bad cold? It should be sufficient to say that where these conditions exist there is a marked loss of efficiency, coupled with an increase in petrol consumption. The best working temperature is between 190 deg. F. and 200 deg. F., or just below boiling-point.

It is becoming increasingly evident that manufacturers have realised the disadvantages of small radiators, and that in some cases they have gone rather to the opposite extreme; but that is all to the good—even when a pump or fan is included in the specification—providing the owner takes the trouble to reduce the cooling efficiency in cold weather, keeping this useful margin for a really hot day or for conditions such as very hilly country where the extra cooling will prove beneficial. “Have I to be constantly adjusting the cooling area?” exclaims the reader. “4od now on earth am I to do it, anyhow?” One question at a time, please. First of all, it is necessary to discover whether or not the* engine is, apparently, running too cool, and this, again, calls for an investigation into the conditions (a) when the circulation is by thermo-syphon alone; (b) when an impeller or pump is used; and (c) when a fan is employed. The expert miglu bt able to tell l>y -he “feel” of an engine when driving whether it was running too cool, but the every-day user should have no false impressions of his powers in this direction, and will, if he is wise, pin his faith to a radiator thermometer. It is gratifying to-know that this year manufacturers will probably standardise these in iar greater numbers. The temperature shown by a thermometer when thermo-syphon cooling alone is used may be misleading, because the circulation of water is somewhat sluggish, and in most systems we get a pocket of’ abnormally hot water in the region of the thermostatic or other element which controls the temperature-indicating medium. The temperature shown on the dial is certainly the maximum attained, but it exists only in the upper-regions of the engine. For this reason an engine employing thermo-syphon cooling alone appears to heat up very quickly. When an impeller is* used the conditions at once become very different and the engine seems to warm up slowly. The reason for this is that, instead of a gradually increasing quantity of hot water accumulating in the header tank, as with thermo-syphon alone, a fairly rapid circulation throughout the cooling system begins directly the engine is started up. Thus, with due allowance for tHe difference in temperature, which must exist between the water at the top and at the bottom of the radiator, the temperature of the water throughout the system is kept much more uniform, an a there is no apparent hotspot in the header tank to give a false indication of the temperature of the water as a whole. Feel first the top and then the base of the radiator after a long run when there is an impeller or pump in the circuit. There will be hardly any difference in the temperature, but with thermo-syphon alone the top of the radiator' will be very hot. w.Hile the base will he many degrees cooler. If a pump-assisted cooling system boils, the engine must be really very hot; if a thermo-syphon system boils, the overheatjng may be local, and the water-inlet pipe from the radiator to the cylinder block will be many degrees below boiling.

car when a pump is used, and vice versa. The fan increases the cooling efficiency of the radiator by reason of the greater quantity of cool air which it draws through the radiator. In parentheses, it should be emphasised that it does not direct a draught of air against the radiator, as some novices imagine; it blows over the engine towards the rear, thereby sucking air through the radiator, as we have indicated. The effect is to reduce the conditions more nearly to those which approximate when an impeller is used, the thermo-syphonic action being speeded up and preventing extreme variations of temperature between the flow and return pipes. REDUCING THE COOLING AREA. So much for cooling systems as a whole. We may now discuss the most effective means of reducing the cooling area of an over-cooled engine, so that it works with maximum efficiency. An easy method is to hank off part of the radiator, hut in doing this many owners make the mistake of attaching the air screen to the front of the radiator, where it is very unsightly. A far better plan is to fix it behind the radiator. In this position it does not sheld the radiator from the effects of the head-wind caused bv the progress of the car through the air, but it does prevent the free passage of the air through the elements of the radiator, and in so doing it cuts down the cooling efficiency. The exact depth of the shield can he discovered only by experiment, and it is a good plan to use cardboard, afterwards cutting out a sheet of the correct size from thingauge aluminium. A more elaborate method is to employ radiator shutters, which are operated either thermostatically or by the driver himself, whose actions are guided by the thermometer on the radiator. . Again, a thermostatic valve can be inserted in the lead between the cylinder outlet or-flow pipe and the radiator header tank. This has the effect of preventing thermo-syphonic action until the water in the cylinder jackets has reached a temperature sufficiently high to cause the thermostatic element to expand and open the valve. In effect, it maintains the temperature of the water around the cylinders at the correct level. Perhaps the most simple idea, however, is to use an ordinary radiator cosy. Nearly' all cosies have a flap, which can be lifted either right up or only half-way; thus, to warm up the engine quickly, or for running in very cold weather with a normally over-cooled engine, the temperature may be main tained at the correct level by having the flaj) only half-open. For very short runs, punctuated by comparatively long stops—the routine of the average doctor, for instance, when paying calls —it may be possible to run with the flap closed down entirely. For crosscountry journeys of uninterrupted running, good results will be obtained with the flap fully open, because a certain amount, but not too much, of the radiator area is shieldad. A large number of cars in Christchurch have radiator muffs.

A fan is seldom employed ou. a light

ROAD WISDOM BOOKLET GIVES USEFUL HINTS The rapid progress of motoring has brought in its wake a necessity for the more general accepta.nc§ and practice of the principles of “Safety First” and road courtesy. These things constitute two of the essentials of safe and pleasant driving, but unfortunately many motorists seem oblivious to their importance, or if they accept the principles, are lax in carrying them out. To provide a corrective to* this tendency, and bring under the notice of all drivers the “unwritten laws” of the road and of motoring,, the Vacuum Oil Company has issued a new and wellcompiled booklet entitled “Road Wisdom.” Its 64 pages, many of which are illustrated, contain driving signals and many road courtesies that make motoring in town or country pleasanter and safer. The booklet may be obtained free upon application to any of the Vacuum Oil Company’s branches. it costs three-eighths of a penny to one penny a dozen to preserve eggs with SHARLAND’S EGG PRESERVATIVE. Small tins sufficient .for 14 dozen eggs. .6

WHAT IS YOUR PICKING? ENGLISH V AMERICAN CARS Two keen Auckland motorists got into an argument the other day over the relative merits of., American and English cars. One of them was of the opinion that American cars would suit Aim, while the other was sure that tiny English car would beat anything on any roads in Mew Zealand. They finally got down to the old question of a road race—they even threatened to race one another to any town the other mentioned, the further away the better. Such a race would settle the whole English v. American question once and for all. ’Unfortunately, however, the English car supporter has not a’ car and the scheme is held up until he can get “Headlight” suggests that Auckland to Whangarei and return would try their patience and the stamina of both thei.r cars. He is also willing to act as judge. “It’s a small world, after all!” exclaimed the ready-made philosopher. “Perhaps,” answered Mrs. Chuggins. “But it doesn’t seem that way when the flivver breaks down and we have to walk miles to the nearest telephone..”

AN AIR CLUB FOR AUCKLAND PROJECT BEING DISCUSSED “Headlight” understands that proposals are afoot to form an Air Club in Auckland. In conversation with a local enthusiast a few days ago it was learned that 15 or 20 -experienced men have already expressed their willingness to join. These men are all ex-Royal Air Force officers, or members of the Royal Aero Club, and it is hoped to form a strong local group. It is felt that there is a great future for flyfog in New Zealand. Immense strides have been made in recent years, and to-day regular commercial .services are maintained in many parts of the woyld, while, in England and America Arplan© Clubs are becoming as well known as automobile associations. Anyone interested in the formation of a club in Auckland should communicate with M.r. F. O. Crosby, 228 Karangahape Road. NEW TESTING GROUND The Packard Motor Car Company has just completed a new proving ground with a 21-mile concrete track, which is said to be one' of the finest motor speedways in the world. The course is the same length *as the famous Indianapolis speedway, but i§ oval in shape, instead of rectangular with the corners rounded. The easier turns are banked at such a steep angle as to permit of fa,r greater speed than is possible on the Hoosier course. The new speedway embraces an area of 400 acres of ground, which is equipped with every known facility for the testing of automobiles. Because of the high speed possible on the track, cars under test will cover as many miles in 10 days as they would in a whole year in the hands of the average motorists. The stamina of the car is tested in this kind of driving as it ,is not possible to do in any other way.

PETROL PEPYS DIARY Up pretty betimes, and to the sundry gudgeon’s shop, where I did busk prettie trouble lamp which fit into v the dash socket of my rattlecoach neat as anythinge I ever did see. But horsecollars? Went to garage after dark to try out the nidderling gadget without telling my pigeon whither I wended, and when she came out tg fetch in her greatcoat, left in the chariot, I turn brave beam full in her face and grumble, “Stick ’em up,” in hooligan voice. But the sorry wench cannot see my merrie jest, and thinking me to be a yegg, seize upon my tyre-pump and thwack me mightily over the pate ere I can explain to her. And albeit I have repeatedly coached her in the practice to ward ’gainst the banditti ye read about in the prints, I must needs call the addlepate sternly to account for her folly; but the poor guinea-hen only cackle and call me a lubber, a yokel and a blunderbuss between raucous chortlings. But I conceal my disdain with quiet dignitie, turn on heel, and walk away. So to bed in deep disguise. Builds you up, keeps you fit awid vigorous through the winter months. —K.P. Extract of Malt, 4

A.A.A. ACTIVITIES A meeting of the council will be i held on Wednesday evening. The following letter has been re- j ceived from the service officer, Mr. R. i E. Champtaloup, at Masterton: —“Yesterday at 3 p.m. I left Masterton for Castlepoint, on the East Coast, and | return in the evening. The distance is 44 miles each way, aud during the whole time I did not pass more than six vehicles. The road runs through sheep country, and provides an access to the coast, which is a popular seaside resort. “The road is a revelation —easy grades over some good hills, and good visibility—and I think there might have been three potholes, but no more. Maintenance men were working, and the signs of activity and road improvements were worthy of an important thoroughfare. After seeing the methods adopted in Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa, I feel that there is something radically wrong in tfie Auckland district, and that if the Highways Board cannot give us better results in both maintenance and construction, they are sadly failing in their obligations. “The people here would simply not permit the Mamaku Hills road to e^ist. “I would suggest that the council of the A.A.A. also complains of the condition of the Great South Road at Huntiy, and asks the board for immediate action.” The annual meeting of the Hamilton branch of the Auckland Automobile Association was held last Wednesday. Dr. F. D. Pinfold presided. The report and balance sheet were adopted, and the following officers were elected: President, Mr. W. J. King; vice-presi-dents, Mr. F. H. Clapham, Drs. F. D Pinfold and A. G. Waddell; council Messrs. E. P. Cowles, W. Hobbs, E. E. Gilman, E. N. Valintine, M. A. Going, E. M. Masters. E. R. Gresham, H. Toombs, H. B. Taylor and C. H. C. Erson. The question of forming the branch into an agency, was again discussed, and further consideration was deferred until a later meeting. OTHER ASSOCIATIONS The South Island (N.Z.) Motor Union Mutual Insurance Association has completed its first year of operation. Premium income for the year, less reinsurances, was £7,703 6s, ar..d after paying claims, commission, foundation and legal expenses, salaries ar.d all other expenses, and placing £2,621 9s 7d to reserve for unexpired risks the association has a credit balance of £1,050 6s 7d to carry forward. The Canterbury Automobile Association has luncheon available at its rooms between 12 and 2 p.m. This privilege is being well patronised, for during the last: two months the average daily attendance has been 30. All motorists in Wellington have to pay an annual fee of 30s toward the cost of the roads in the Hutt district. This has been a sore point for some time, but when a proposal was made recently that the fee be raised to 40s, the Wellington Automobile Club registered a strong protest. In order to ascertain the feeling of motorists the club took a postal ballot on the proposal and discovered that there was a four-fifths majority against the proposed increase. THE A.A. OF GREAT BRITAIN The annual report of the Automobile Association of Great Britain makes very interesting reading. Active service work is carried on by means of road patrol organisations in the form of road information, assistance with mechanical breakdowns and accidents, and traffic control. During the year 12,000 new road signs were erected. An interesting extension of the “Association official hotel” system is the appointing of 2,600 garages as official repairers. The free route service * has been widely used, over 400,000 routes being supplied to members. Free legal defence is one of the most valuable departments of the association’s activities. A vigilant watch is kept on legislation in the interests of motorists. MODERNITY What is described as a Dennis combined gully-emptier and street washing and watering machine has been bought by the Christchurch City Council. This ingenious machine has a water pump and is capable of sprinkling water to allay dust or concentrating water at great pressure on a given spot for washing purposes. Then there is a pipe and suction arrangement for cleaning cut sumps or “gullies.” as thev are called overseas. It is the last word in modern street cleaning plant. Tomkins; As you know. Jhones, I am by way of being an anti-motorist, but I must say I have just seen a novel an moving sight. Jhones; What was that? Tomkins; I saw quite a number of motorists slow down and deliberately turn aside in order to avoid running over an animal on the road. Jhones: Ah, so they are not all inhuman! What animal was it? j Tomkins: A circus elephant.