“SUN” SERVICE STATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 924, 18 March 1930, Page 6

“SUN” SERVICE STATION

rilHB "Motordom" section or The Sun Includes in Its service to readers a Queries and Answers Department, the object ot which is to give accurate information regarding mechanical and touring subjects. Whatever the particular puzzle niay 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 All communications must be accompanied oy the inquirer's name and address (not for publication), and sent to THE SUN “Service Statioti, Motordom” THE SUN. Auckland. Answers will appear weekly in this column.

J.J.C.—I have a duck canvas to cover my car when I am camping out. It is setting very stiff, and hard to roll up. Could you tell me something to make it soft and easy to roll without doing any harm canvas? The canvas is evidently proofed with linseed oil or paint, in which case there is no method of softening it without destroying the proofing material. Ordinary proofed canvas should get softer through use and exposure to the sun. T.E.B. —I would be greatly obliged if you would answer the following questions. My car is an Overland 4, 1925-2 G model, and I wish to know: (1) If the oil in the crankcase feeds the gear box and differential? (2) Is there any place to oil the selfstarter? (3) Could you advise me where I can get an instruction book? (1) Oil from the crankcase lubricates the transmission system only as far as the universal joint behind the gearbox. The differential needs separate attention. (2) There is no need to oil the self-starter. The front bearing is fitted to last the life of the car, and the rear bearing is oiled by splash from the flywheel. (3) Write to Canadian Knight and Whippet Company. Cook Street, Auckland, Alsto.—"Would you please answer the ; following question through your , widely read S.S.S. column? My generator is not charging enough' (only* six amps.) to enable me to use my « starter. I do a fair amount of night driving, and on arriving home I generally find my battery fiat (although in Erood condition). I would like to know, . : is there an adjustment in the genera- i i tor that I could manipulate myself. j i If your generator has never charged j i

more than six amps., the setting of the third brush may be incorrect. This brush governs the electrical field, and can be adjusted to give any charge by moving it backward or forward across the face of the commutator. Usually, a generator has an inspection plate, and the third brush generally is found at the top inside the cover. It may be held by a retaining screw, or may yield to ordinary pressure. By watching the ammeter and changing the position of the brush, you will achieve the desired result. Tin* ammeter should show' a charge of one amp. with all lights burning and the generator charging. It can charge ;it a greater rate if necessary, but ma> blow the fuse or burn the cut-out. If the ammeter lias shown a diminishing charge frbm some higher amperage down to six amps., a mere cleaning of the face of the commutator may bring it back to normal. The commutator should be bright. “Driver.”—l would be obliged if you can tell me through your S.S.S. column on Tuesday, the cause of vacuum tank overflowing when car is standing on a slope forward with engine stopped. The vacuum is a Kingston fitted to a Dodge. When hot at will frequently but not always, overflow, and continue to do so until car is put on the level. Float and valve appear to be in order, and air hole in filler cap is clear. I cannot see how this should take place, as the main tank is not above the level of the vac. when overflow occurs. Overflowing is caused by a “loaded," or saturated float which allows the petrol level to rise higher than normally. To correct this take out the float assembly and dry the float in th*j sun. When thoroughly dry coat the float thinly with shellac and replace it, taking care that the flapper valve in the upper tank is working properly and is free from grit and dirt.