“SUN” SERVICE STATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 426, 7 August 1928, Page 7

“SUN” SERVICE STATION

mHE "Motordom" section of The Sun includes in its service to readers a Queries and Answers Department, the object of which is to give accurate information regarding mechanical and touring subjects. Whatever the particular puzzle may be in either diagnosing irritating troubles, or motoring information of any kind, “Headlight” will endeavour to help, or refer the point to men who are recognised automobile experts in their respective lines. All communications must be accompanied by the inquirer’s name and address (not for publication), and sent to THE SUN “Service Station, Motordom,” THE SUN, Auckland. Answers will appear weekly in this column.

A.J.W. —Would you please inform me through your columns: (1) The mileage per imperial gallon from a light six Buick Sedan, latest model; (2) Is it advisable to use second-grade spirit; (3) the minimum and maximum speed on high gear.—(l) 18 to 22 miles a gallon; (2) Yes; (3) 2 miles an hour to 64-70 miles an hour. T.P.A.—How much water should there be in the battery.—When filling the battery do not fill the cell full; add just enough water to cover the plates. Attention at fortnightly intervals will prevent boiling over. L.M.W.—I have a 1920 Stutz Touring. What would you say is the maximum speed of this car to-day; (2) what was the maximum speed when new; (3) I get 13 to 14 miles to the gallon and 600 miles to the quart of oil; is that the usual average.— (1) Depends on how the engine has been looked after, but suggest 50 miles an hour; (2) 70 to 75 miles an hour; (3) Yes. G.N.—Kindly answer the following question in The Sun next Motor Section. How to remove rear wheel of Dodge 1921 model to stop grease leak. —Remove hub cap and flange nut; removing locking ring; remove axle. W.F.—I notice some cars are said to have a “hot spot.” Can you tell me what it means.—A “hot spot” is used to heat the petrol-air mixture on its way from the carburetter to the cylinders. It helps petrol to vaporise more quickly, and so to burn more cleanly

and evenly. The systems adopted are various; but their objects are all to heat a section of the induction pipe. Some makers use the heat of the exhaust outlets in contact with induction inlets. Others utilise the heat of the water in the cooling system. Others employ a “stove,” in which the hot air surrounding the exhaust pipes is gathered and induced into the carburetter to form the mixture.

J.H.S.—I have a Chev. car, which when running up to 25 or 28 miles an hour, runs but exceeding that speed the front wheels commence to wobble so much that it is impossible to drive it for any distance, even at 30 miles an hour. I wish to mention that the front axle bearings are tight and in good order, as is also the wheel alignment. I have had it to various garages, and they tell me there is no remedy for it. —On most cars fitted with baUoon tyres and four-wheel brakes this trouble nearly always occurs sooner or later. It can be due to several causes. Improper tyre inflation, loose members in the steering connections, broken centre bolt in front spring; but what I have found to be the chief cause is the flattening out of the front springs. As the springs lose their camber, so is the set of the front axle altered sufficiently to create a dangerous shimmy in the front wheels at speeds over 25 miles. To overcome this temporarily, -wedges about 3-16 in thick, with the thick end toward the front of the car, should be inserted under the springs on the axle. The proper remedy is to set up the front springs. Trusting the above information will be useful.