“SUN” SERVICE STATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1054, 19 August 1930, Page 6

“SUN” SERVICE STATION

flu-HG "Motordom" section of The Sun includes in its service to readers a Queries and Answers Department, the object of which is tn give accurate information regarding mechanical and touring subjects. \Vhatever the particular puzzle may be in either diagnosing irritating troubles or Motoring infurmaiion of any kind, “Headlight," will endeavour to help or rr-t’er the point to men who are {ccognised 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 All communications must be accompanied by the Inquirer’s name and address (not for publication).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 Stuh’nn. Millardom," THE SUN Auckland. Answers will appear weekly in this co umn

Battery. —l have an Exide battery in mv car which I purchased new IS months ago. For the first 16 months I put distilled water in regularly every week or fortnight, but for the last two months 1 find that the plate is still covered and does not require any water. Yet the battery functions in every way as new. Is it detrimental to go so long without water?

No, provided the battery is functioning perfectly and the hydrometer test shows it to be all right.

S.R.H.S. —To settle an argument, would you please say what is tlie average retail price of petrol a. gallon in the British Isles at the present time?

Impossible to say, as the price varies from Is 6d to Is, although averaging nearer Is 6d.

“Subscriber." —Can a person holding a car driving licence ride a motorcycle with it, or would he have to have a separate test? Can one get a licence to cover motor-car, motor-cycle and traction engine? * * * The traffic department has three separate tests for car, motor-cycle and traction engine. A person- can go through all three tests and get a. licence for them for the one fee, or if he already holds a licence for one class he can have it amended to cover two classes at no additional cost, provided he passes that test.

C.P.T.—Would you kindly let me know through your column the correct setting for the (1) spark plugs, (2) magneto points, and (3) tappets of a 1925 Dodge? (4) What should be the position of a piston when the magneto points are opening? I think my engine is not timing correctly. * * * (1) .027, (2) .012, (3) exhaust .00G, inlet, .04. (4) Exhaust valve closes 8 degrees past.top dead-centre. With spark fully retarded magneto points just commence to open at 8 degrees past top dead-c.entre. If timing from No. 1 cylinder, exhaust valve on No. 4 will ne just closing as No. 1 prepares to

V.F.H.—Could you kindly tell me what is the cause of my trouble and how I can overcome same? (1)1 have a 1927 9-horse power single-seater Standard, which produces a dull, thumping knock under the front of footboard when engine is idling or pulling on the road, whether engine is hot or cold. And only ceases knocking when I switch off. Also when I was climbing a small hill, X increased my acceleration, the engine roared, and it was not until I had gone about 30 yards that the car all of a sudden produced its pulling power and sped forward. I had no occasion to change gears, and I was in top. Would it be the clutch at fault? (2) Where could I get a 1927 Standard 9-horse power engine instruction book, please? * * *

(1) It sound like serious clutch trouble, and the car's behaviour on a hill suggests a slipping clutch. Probablv a clutch plate i ! s warped or cracked, or clutch springs broken. (2) Write to the Auckland Motor Company. Albert Street, and quote the number of tlie car which is stamped on the steering wheel.

L.R.W. —X have a Buick 6 (I believe a 1925 model; purchased as a used car), and it has developed the following peculiarity: When cold and the car gets going a regular squeal sets up which appears to come from tho clutch, because when I declutch the squeal ceases. This is most noticeable at an engine speed of about 25 m.p.h. (or the equivalent engine speed in second gear). When approximately a mile has been covered the noise ceases. The coidea' the car is the more pronounced the squeal: it is very bad first thing in the morning, or if the car is left standing for any length of time at night. It gives very little or no trouble during the day. The only grease (V i j > on the clutch (on the clutch thrust I believe), seems to be doing its job. I shall be glad of advice on this trouble.

From your description th*3 trouble does not seem to be in the c?iu±ch itself. Probably the ball race in the clutch thrust is badly worn an/i races in the gear-box should be exjaminefl as well. Replacing these races should overcome the trouble.