Your Humber— Its Care and Maintenance

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 296, 6 March 1928, Page 7

Your Humber — Its Care and Maintenance

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

The importance of giving attention and regular inspection to the modern motor-car cannot be over-estimated. If this is done systematically considerably greater pleasure will be derived from motoring, as the car will always be kept in tune, and will not require adjustment at inopportune moments. The question of lubrication is far the most important in connection with the driving and management of a car, and if these simple explanations and instructions are carried out the trouble incurred will be amply repaid by the more efficient running and absence of wear of moving parts. The various greasers, plugs and covers have been so arranged that they are as accessible as possible. The whole of the internal parts of the engine are lubricated automatically by the oil in the crankcase sump. A gear pump continually feeds oil through a pressure filter to the delivery pipes in the crankcase. These feed, first, cups on the two main crank bearings, and, second, troughs which lubricate the connecting rod big ends. Oil thrown up l*y the big end bearings is sprayed on to the cylinder walls, pistons, gudgeon pins, cams and tappets. A lead from the main oil delivery pipe is taken direct to the camshaft bearings in th© crankcase. All timing 'gears, and the dynamotor chain in the front of the crankcase, are lubricated by an oil lead from the pressure system. A lead is taken from the main oil delivery to the cylinder head, where it lubricates the rockers, rocker bearings and top and bottom push rod guides, before draining back to the crankcase sump. With this system of splash lubrication, the only point requiring attention while running is to see that the oil pressure indicator is registering.

Oil is fed to the engine through the oil filler, and it is recommended that oil should be added daily or after every 200 miles, rather than wait until the sump is dry. Use Triple Shell. The gearbox will need very little attention as long as it contains sufficient oil. The normal level for the oil is a quarter of an inch above the lower shaft. The oil should be replenished every 1,000 miles. Engine oil only should be used in the gearbox; under no circumstances must thick oil or grease be put in. The rear anxle gearing and differential pinions are lubricated by thick gear oil, which is fed through the plug in the rear axle cover. Fill only to the top of the plug, and with the correct grade of Shell oil. Replenish every 1,000 miles. The front and rear wheel hub' bearings are lubricated separately by filling the hub with grease every 5,000 miles. The wheel swivel pins and crossrod pins are provided with grease nozzles and should be attended to every 500 miles. The spring shackle greasers should receive attention every 200 miles. The springs should not be allowed to get rusty, but should be lubricated with grease or a mixture of grease and graphite. To do this, jack up the car to relieve the springs of weight, and insert a screwdriver between the leaves. The clutch does not need lubrication. In addition to lubrication, certain adjustments are necessary every 1,000 miles or every month. The valve clearances should be occastionallv checked and if necessary adjusted with the special gauges supplied in the tool kit. See that the spark plug gaps are clean and correct, and particularly that they are th© same on every cylinder. Brakes need adjusting whten the pedal pad is nearly touching the floorboard. This is made by a self-locking nut found under the floorboard. The battery needs regular and careful attention. Keep the terminals clean. See that the level of the acid in the cells is kept abov© the top of the plates by the addition of distilled water. The radiator should be kept full of clean, fresh water. Once a month drain the system and refill. Tyres should receive regular attention and the pressure checked every week. Always run on the correct pressures on all four wheels, as unequal pressures affect the performance of the car, making the steering difficult. If every Humber owner gives attention to the points mentioned above, a considerable benefit will be obtained in the way of greater reliability, more satisfactory jrunnins and lowest possible costy • ' ■ -