“SUN” SERVICE STATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 710, 9 July 1929, Page 6

“SUN” SERVICE STATION

'"Motordonj” sectloo ol 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 meD 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 All communications must be accompanied by the inquirer's name and address (not for publication), and sent to THE SUN “Service Station, Motordom," THE SUN.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

“Puzzled.” —(a) I have a Studebaker Big Six, and when doing from 35 to 40 miles an hour (especially on concrete) the car will develop a severe vibration of the front wheels. There is no play in the bearings, tie rod, etc. 1 cannot see any bend in the axle, and the wheels are three-eighths of an inch wider at the back. I tried reversing the bevelled wedges under the springs, but this made matters worse, (b) My clutch also gives trouble by slipping on hills. The plates do not aiopear to be worn, and several times I have thrown in benzine to clean them. (a) Wobble is a very difficult thing to locate without a full examination. In your case, the wedges seem to be the important factor. Perhaps you need a slightly larger size, or are the present ones worn? (b) You should not depend solely on splashes of benzine to clean the clutch. However, if the plates are clean, and not worn, the trouble probably lies with the sit ring being too weak. “Amateur Painter.” —(l) In some places, the paintwork lias chipped on my car, and left exposed metal, which is rapidly rusting. Will you please tell me how to treat it? Otherwise the paintwork is good, although the gloss is not quite as good as new, and I would like to varnish it or restore the gloss in some way. Please tell me what to use, and the method of application. (2) With a Ford Model T car, is it .detrimental to coast by throwing the clutch gear pedal into neutral? This of course with the engine running. (3) Advise me what

speed I can drive when touring without causing injury to the engine. I am told never to drive my Ford faster than 20 miles an hour. Many thanks for the consideration you have given me on former occasions. * * * (1) Assuming that the car is finished in paint and varnish, you should proceed as follow: Clear off the rust with sandpaper dipped in kerosene or vinegar until the metal is bright. Before the air can get at it, cover the metal with an oil base primer, then with an oil stopper. Face it down with sandpaper, and if the surface has sunk, build it up with stopper and retouch it with primer. Always use a primer over the stopping. Paint the colour over this. It may be difficult to match the colour, so it is wise to treat whole panels rather than small patches. When the colour is applied, varnish the whole car, after ensuring that all dust and grease has been moved from the surface. To do that, wash it. then clean it down with ptrol. (2) Though this practice does not cause any actual damage, it is not advisable, as it puts a thrust on the clutch ring. (3) You can drive at 40 to 45 miles an hour without damaging the motor, hut the most useful and economical touring speed is about 30 miles an hour. J. McD. —W r ould you please tell me through your motor notes if the offside rule still applies to trams? The offside rule does not apply to trams.