“SUN” SERVICE STATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 674, 28 May 1929, Page 6

“SUN” SERVICE STATION

rrVH.I3 ’Motordorn" section ot The Sun includes in its service to readers a JL Queries and Answers Department, the object of which is to give accurate tnrormation 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 All communications must be accompanied by Che inquirer's name and address (not for publication), and sent to THE SUN “Service Station, Motordom ,r " THE SUN. Auckland. Answers will appear weekly In this column.

! i<= T have a 1923 Chevrolet., and have 1 nut in new pinion and brought the crown wheel up to pinion for firm lifting. ine <--ir runs smoothly when pulling, but when coasting there is a grinding noise, i The crown wheel and the spider are O.K. The grinding noise is due solely to incorrect adjustments between the crown ; wheel and the pinion. Unless you are an expert mechanic, and can take down this part of the car, it would be better I to have the work done by the Chevrolet 1 people, or a good mechanic. F.W.McN. —I have noticed a steady ini crease in the petrol consumption of my | car for the last few months, and it is : now beginning to worry me. It is a ! 1923 model, and l am wondering if it is | getting old and worn-out. ! A 1D23 motor is liable to develop all j of faults, due to old age, and it is : noticed that when an engine begins to wear after long use it gradually becomes more extravagant, due to the loose fitting of the parts, particularly pistons, rings, and cylinder walls. In your case, when an increase in petrol consumption is noted, and no external change has been made in adjustments, which would cause it. it is reasonable to suppose that the willing slave has at last broken down, ■ and may need reboring and fitting of new pistons and rings. This, however, is a difficult question to answer, because there are so many factors which determine pet-r-'l consumption, apart from carburettor adjustment. Binding brakes causing added load, leaking gaskets, insufficient or improper lubrication, and many more

factors. It may be possible, however, that it is valve trouble, if the carburet - tion is in order, and ignition has been checked over. We would certainly suggest close examination being made of the valves, as they may need adjusting at the tappets, or are so damaged as to need regrinding or replacement. .A.D.—I have an old model Overland, and when the engine is running there is a continual squeak in the clutch. Perhaps you will be able to tell me the cause of it. • The squeak referred to is undoubtedly due to the clutch throw-out washer, and the only means of overcoming this noise is by dismantling the clutch and fitting a new throw-out washer. If you find it inconvenient to have this carried out forthwith, and providing the noise is not excessive, there is no need to worry that anything serious will occur. C.W.I.—My car, a common enough model of four cylinders, won't idle very well, and I would like some hints as to what 'to look for. The first and essential points to check are: Valve seating, distributor points, and spark plug gaps. Have the valves been ground in reasonably recently, and are they seating correctly? Arc the distributor points dirty or pitted? Are the spark plug gaps 25/1000ths of an inch, as they should be? There is one other possibility. The idling needle valve may be worn, and allowing too much air to enter.