A PETROL SAVER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 202, 15 January 1913, Page 6

A PETROL SAVER.

ONE GALLON CARRIES MOTOR 457 MILES. Mounted on a two and a-lialf horsepower Torpedo motor-cycle and travelling at a fairly uniform rate, Mr. E. R. Godward, who w well-known in connection with several local institutions, rode forty-one times round the quarter-mile track at the Caledonian grounds one afternoon recently (says the Southland Times). There were about a dozen spectators, and they were mostly engineers or motoring enthusiasts. The occasion wa s the testing of an invention framed by Mr, Godward. whereby the consumption of petrol is diminished to a very surprising degree. The results obtained at previous tests had been made known, and their startling nature aroused curiosity in many cases and incredulity in others. This test was carried out under the strictest scrutiny. The nature of the apparatus by winch the great saving is effected has not been disclosed, as Mr. Godward maintains that it is as yet only in the experimental stage. From external appearances the engine is practically unaltered. The petiol and oil tank is slightly larger than the average tank, and a pipe whereby hot air is drawn off the cylinder into the tank is the main alteration in the mechanism. There was a fairly sharp breeze blowing when the test was made, and the rider ran an extra lap in order to satisfy critics that he had covered the required distance. The tank was emptied and a quantity of petrol measured into it, and the rider did a full ten'miles (forty-one laps) at an average speed of about 22 miles per hour. On die completion of the run the tank was again emptied, and it was found that three and a-half ounces had .been used. When this is worked out it appears that a gallon would take the cycle 457 miles. Following the petrol test another with kerosene was undertaken. ;,,„!, subject to the same measurement of fuel, the machine was taken over a live-mile run, which was done nt an average speed of twentv-six miles per hour. This was done on three ounces of kerosene, at which rate the machine would do 200 miles on a gallon. After the latter" test the ignition ping was removed, and it was found' to be quite free of carbon deposit, a fact which will he noted with surprise bv mnnv motorists.