CYCLING AND MOTORING.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 April 1917, Page 7

CYCLING AND MOTORING.

NEWS AND NOTES. In connection with the mooted embargo on further imputation of motor cars into the Commonwealth, the Federal Council of Motor Traders, which opposed tile suggested embargo, has arranged to circularise 10,000 Australian motorists with a view of ascertaining whether cars were purchased for pleasure, business and pleasure, or for business purposes solely. The resultant figures will be placed before the Government officials with a view of influencing the decision. As regards the effect that any embargo would have on the automobile trade, there is little doubt that it would be a serious matter to the houses not well stocked with cars, whilst the more fortunate agents would reap the benefit and clear surplus cars. Whilst dealing with tills matter the Federal Motor Traders should compile figures dealing not so much with the cars in use, for the embargo would not seriously effect existing motoring conditions, it is the prospective business that would suffer. Why not give figures to show the new cars bonded and unsold, also those due for early delivery, then a fair idea based on previous years sales could be gathered as to what effect the cessation of motor car imports would have. From an Imperial standpoint this market should be eventually preserved for the British manufacturers, wit'h preference given to goods from our Allies; and the clearing up of bonded stocks of American cars in this country, will leave a better field for French, Belgian and Italian cars when the great struggle is over. The Automobile Engineer has been dealing with a question which is not frequently mentioned, namely, the effect of the pressure of the piston rings on tlio cylinder walls. The average pressure, it appears, is about lOlbs per square inch, and, needless to siiji, the friction of the rings is approximately proportionate to the pressure. A case is stated where the piston rings of a 3 '/• li.p. engine had a pressure of lllbs per square inch, A weaker set was fitted giving Sibs pressure, and the result was a gain of five miles per hour, which indicated a previous very serious loss Inflection. The subject is one which ought to be dealt with so t'hat reliable data can be provided. Needless, to say, the les the pressure the smaller the friction, but on the other hand if the pressure is not sufficient, oil is likely to get past the piston rings. It. is a ease for adopting the happy mean, though possibly this may vary with different types •f engines.