“SUN” SERVICE STATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 486, 16 October 1928, Page 6

“SUN” SERVICE STATION

THE “Motordom” section of The Sun includes in its service to readers a J- Queries and Answers Department, the object ot which is to give accurate information regarding mechanical and touring subjects. Whatever the particular puzzle maj 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 fines. All communications must be accompanied by the inquirer's name and address (not for publication), and sent to THE SUN “Service Station, Motordom,” THE SUN.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.

L.A.C.—In giving my ear a spring overhaul I found that the rivets holding the plate to which the moving shackle of the front spring is pivoted had become loose, and has been allowing the plate to move slightly backwards and forwards on the chassis. As it is practically impossible to get at the rivets to tighten them up or renew, I would like to know if you can tell mo whether it would be wise to replace the rivets with* bolts and nuts, and, if so, the best method of securing the nut after it has been screwed up tight. I have frequently replaced the rivets in front spring hangers with bolts, and consider this fitting more satisfactory. Jack up the chassis and spring, so that there is no more weight on it, and punch the rivets out one at a time. As each is taken out, replace it with a bolt. You will find that the rivet holes have worn sufficiently to take a 3-Sin bolt without trouble. Saw tfie bolt off to the required length, fit a spring washer and nut, and tighten up securely. Then burr the thread of the bolt close up to the nut to prevent it from working loose. A.C.W. -(City).—l am losing a considerable quantity of oil out of the front (engine) end of the gearbox of my 14-30 li.p. Armstrong-Siddeley 1925 model car. I would be grateful if you would ad-

vise me* why such a leak should occur, seeing the oil level is so much below the point or leakage; also, what steps are necessary and how to go about remedying the trouble. The cause of oil leaking at the front end of your 14-30 Armstrong Siddeley gear box is probably due to a faulty primary shaft ball race, which would allow this unit to run out of truth and so set up a pumping action. A s a pre-» caution against oil leakage at this point, the makers have fitted an oil retainer, which is simply a metal ring held against the ball race by light spring pressure, and it is just possible that some foreign matter has found its way in between the two faces, and this again would cause the trouble you complain of. The only way to effect a definite cure is to dismantle the front end of the. gear box for inspection, which can be done by any competent mechanic.