Its Care and Maintenance

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 190, 1 November 1927, Page 6

Its Care and Maintenance

Your Chrysler-

A SUN special feature to assist the owner-driver to obtain the maximum results in performance bjj the proper care and treatment of his car.

The importance of giving careful attention and regular inspection to the modern motor-car cannot be overestimated. If this is done systematically, greater pleasure will be derived from motoring, as the car will always be kept in tune, and will not require attention at inopportune moments. The Chrysler owner has included in his car exquipment an excellent instruction book, which he should study and follow to the letter. The hints and general talk here given are meant to supplement the instruction book, not to supersede it. Like any other piece of machinery to be maintained in first-class condition, the Chrysler should be lubricated at regular intervals with the proper grades of oil and grease, and all working parts and oil holes should be kept clean and free from dirt and grit. The crankshaft bearings, engine rod bearings and camshaft bearings are all oiled by a pressure system from engine. The correct working of this system can be followed through the oil pressure gauge on the dash, which at normal driving speed should show approximately 251 b to 301 b pressure. If at any time the gauge indicates no pressure, stop the engine immediately. Although this oil is continually being filtered, there is always a slight impregnation of fuel, water or acid, depreciating the value of the oil as a lubricant. For this reason, the oil should be changed every 1,000 miles. It is as well to bear in mind that running the engine with the choke closed increases the amount of fuel drawn into the cylinders, therefore the engine should be run with the choke fully open. Kerosene should never be used for flushing out the oil pan or lubricating system, as a certain amount will remain in the system, and dilute the oil. Do not mix different brands of oil, as each brand is made of different ingredients that -will not blend. Remmeber also that a cheap oil may be dearest in the long run. The gearbox and differential must be kept up to the level of the filler plug with a good grade of oil—never use grease or a non-fluid oil. Fresh lubricant should he put in twice a year after flushing out with kerosene. Two forgotten parts of a motor-car are the universal joints, one of which is situated immediately behind the gearbox, and the other just in front of the rear axle housing. These should be lubricated every 2,000 miles.

Another point very often missed is the grease cup, which lubricates the fan and the distributor. This should be given one turn about once each month. The clutch is the single dry plate type, requiring no lubrication. Have clutch pedal adjusted when there is no play between pedal and floorboard, otherwise clutch may slip under load. The lubrication system for the rest of the chassis consists of an easily operated high-pressure gun and a set of nipples. One pumping action is usually sufficient, but two or more should be given if necessary. Spring bolts and steering spindles should be gone over every 500 miles, and other points as indicated on the proper oiling chart. Grease should never be used between the leaves of the springs, as it will harden and become dry, causing stiff spring action, excessive rebound, and may be the cause of the springs breaking. The anchors on the break barshould be oiled every 2,000 miles and their action checked to see that they work freely. There are no other points in the hydraulic brake mechanism requiring lubrication. The radiator should be drained occasionally—say, once every 5,000 miles — and thoroughly washed out with clean water to remove dirt and sediment. The hose connections should be kept tight. The strainer in the vacuum tank, and the one in the carburettor should be removed occasionally and cleaned. Drain water from the vacuum tank occasionally through the tap. The main thing to remember about the mechanical side of the car is that the engine should not be raced nor worked hard until it is warmed up and running smoothly, and with the carburettor choke button pushed “in.” For normal driving the tyre pressure for open cars should be not less than 351 b, and for closed cars not less than 401 b. It is very important, however, to maintain equal and higher pressures in the two front tyres for high speed operation. Another condition that should be carefully observed is front wheel alignment, as more tyres are worn out by improper wheel alignment than by any other cause. It is advisable to have your wheel alignment tested periodically at a reliable service station. As regards battery care, observe the following rules: The electrolyte should be maintained at the proper level and pure distilled water added to each cell until the solution is about Mn above the top of the plates. The correct hydrometer reading is 1.250. Keep filling plugs tight, and the top of the battery clean. Keep all battery connections tight and covered with vaseline to prevent corIf every Chrysler owner will give attention to the points mentioned above a considerable benefit will be obtained in the way of greater reliability, mere satisfactory running and the lowest possible cost.