“SUN” SERVICE STATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1036, 29 July 1930, Page 6

“SUN” SERVICE STATION

THE “Motordom” section of. The Sun includes m 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 he 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 All communications must be accompanied by the inquirers and address (not for publication), and sent to THE Sl'\ “Service Statin • Motordom” TIIE SUN Auckland. Answers will appear weekly in this column

J.B.—Can you tell me what is the matter with the generator on my car? It is about a 1924 model Rugby Four, and the trouble first started some months ago, and has slowly decreased the charging rate, until now there is no charge at all. I was told to clean the carbon brushes, and have done so, but it makes no difference. Would it damage the generator to run like this, as I have used it a lot with no charge? If I switch on the lights there is a discharge, so the wire must be all right. The fact that the charge rate slowly decreases points to either a worn commutator or a burnt-out armature. I would advise that the generator be removed immediately. See that the bearings are not worn out, have the commutator turned and the mica under cut, inspect the brushes, and also see that the regulation brush is in the correct position, i.e., about half-way in the slot. Replace generator, take off cutout. start up engine, and place the battery wire on the generator terminal, speed up engine. If generator does not charge, the armature is burnt out and needs re-winding. L.J.K.—I have a 1927 Ford, Model T car, and I am having some trouble with the differential. I had a new crown wheel and pinion put in about 16 months ago, and there has been a slight grind in it. I took it to a mechanic, who said it was nothing to worry about, and told me if I put new thrust washers in, it would be O.K. I put new thrust washers in all round, and it is much worse. I think the trouble is in the crown wheel and pinion. Is there any way to adjust the pinion? There is also a slight rattle in the timing wheels I have tightened the wheel on the generator, but it has made no difference, so if you could tell me anything about my troubles I would be very thankful. It would be impossible to diagnose this complaint without an inspection of the car. Judging from the parts already fitted, it may be that the crown wheel has been fitted to a damaged differential housing. The housing 1 should always be checked before fitting , a new Crown wheel. I would suggest, j however, that the most satisfactory I

way for you to overcome your trouble would be to take the car to at* authorised Ford dealer. “Mac.”—l will be glad if you can advise me as to the best method of touching up scratches and worn spots, with duco or similar preparation. 1 have used Rogers Brushing Lacquer and Duco. but it does not make a very good job. the surface afterwards being rather rough. Would any of these preparations spray through the ordinary cheap hand spray? Would you consider better method? If the finish is scratched through to the metal it will be necessary to touch up any bare spots with duco primer and surface them before the final finish is applied, taking care to smooth off each coat with very fine sandpaper. Any of these preparations may be applied to small patches with a hand spray. Brushing lacquer is unsuitable for this class of work, as it will not stand exposure to the sun. Use spraying lacquer. “Buick.”—ls there ary objection to taking the trav from underneath a car engine. I was unable to locate a few little rattles, and thought that by removing the tray these may be eliminated somewhat. I now have the idea that possibly dirt and other foreign matter might get into the engine and damage it. I would be glad of your opinion whether the -removal of the tray is detrimental or not. • * * You would best be able to determine the value of the tray on your car. After wet wether, examine its underside and see if it has collected mud. The amount of mud will tell you the utility of the tray. It is unlikely that any foreign matter could get into the engine from underneath, though it might collect on the cylinder block, or accessories. Why not use broad washers of lead or leather undbr the heads of the studs, which secure the tray. That treatment should eliminate rattles.