NOTES AND SUGGESTIONS.
Page 69
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Interesting Contributions from Our Driver and Mechanic Readers.
A Cover with Novel Features for Bus Seats.
TUE problem of covering the seats of 1 open-topped buses has, until now, never been satisfactorily settled. Many devices have been tried, but these relied upon the passengers replacing them when they rise from their seats, and it has been found that passengers usually hurry off and forget to replace the covers; consequently, in wet weather the seats become damp and uncomfortable for the next users.
A very practical invention—submitted to us by one of our correspondents, " E.J.F.," of Chiswick—appears to meet the case very well, as it requires no effort on the part of the passenger when leaving his seat; he simply gets up, and the seat-protecting device does the rest.
The apparatus consists of a spring roller, similar to those used for window blinds, on which is wound a (giver made of waterproof material of sufficient size to protect the seat. In wet weather the seat will become wet, but the passenger can, before sitting down, pull the cover out so as to protect himself from the damp on the seat. So long as the passenger sits on it it will keep in place, but when he rises it will fly back on to its roller, where it will be protected from rain by the metal shield, as shown in the sketch. It is rather a pity that this device was not brought out before the covered top was made so perfect, but there are still many instances where it may be useful on passenger vehicles and on all kinds of seats which are not covered from rain.
Our correspondent has protected his idea and -we shall be pleased to forward his name to anyone who is interested in the invention.
Trouble with Broken Axles on Steam Wagons.
ONE of our correspondents, " who hails from West Bromwich, tells tia that on the Birmingham' road there has lately been a series of accidents due to the breakage of axles of steam wagons and that in the last three which he has had an opportunity of examining the breakage occurred in the Same place. This, he considers, points to the fact that there is a weak spot, which Might be altered if the attention of designers be called to it.
The failures be has seen have occurred about an inch from' the collar and -within the boia of the large chainwheel, although the shaft is .somdwhat larger at that place. • In spite of this eiflarg,e/tient, which •brings the diameter to approximately 41 ins., it appeared that there was some initial cause for these fractures, and upon examination it was found that the•laWs-were of old. standing, as part7of the fractured surface was discolatired, showing only aboiit 11 ills. if newly broken metal. _.
It is obvious that this part of such an axle is subjected to the most severe atrrsx, as the -drive is -taken through it
and transverse alternating stresses, due to load; aggravate the matter. He suggests that cutting a key-way in this part may weaken it, as the keyway appears to have some relation to the startingpoint of the fracture. "H.M." suggests that some means might be adopted, such as the formation of a hexagon, on this part of the shaft to prevent rotation of the chainwheel.
The securing of such a wheel to an
axle without in any way forming a weak spot is certainly not an easy matter, so we are not sure that the remedy suggested by our correspondent would effect a cure, but we are glad to see attention called to what appears to be a weak spot, as, if there be sufficient to justify an alteration of the design, it is possible that some means for overcoming the trouble may be arrived at.
More Advice About Big-end Bearings.
THE subject of big-ends still con tinues to interest our readers if we can judge by the letters we still receive dealing with various causes of failure and suggesting remedies. A new note is struck by " G.L.P.," of Lincoln, -who recently came across an instance of trouble with the bearings of a certain engine, which frequently seized, although supplied with ample oil. A careful investigation of the bearings showed that thin shims bad been used as a convenient means for adjusting thd bearings. These shims had been so placed that their sharp edges came in contact with the journal of the crank, and formed very efficient scrapers, removing the oil which should have found its way between the bearing and the journal of the shaft.
Our correspondent 'fitted new shims, taking care that the holes in them were a good fit on the bolts, and seeing that their edges_ stood well back from the journal. After this he appears to have
had no further trouble. Our correspondent suggests that in bearings of big-ends where only two bolts are fitted it is advisable to drill a hole and fit a small pin so that the shim cannot turn on its bolt.
Mirrors of Considerable Service in the Garage.
THE following useful tip comes from
"E.L.P.," of Lincoln :—Often during repairs to motor vehicles the mechic wishes that he could, by some miracle see through or under various parts 'which he may be repairing.
The writer has found the use of a small hand-mirror indispensable in carrying out repairs to the wiring and instruments upon the dashboard : the use of the mirror has at once enabled a clear view to be obtained of the mechanism behind the board by merely holding the mirror below it.
The employment of this rather extraordinary "tool" may be found to meet multifarious needs, and it is especially helpful in reflecting light into such inaccessible places as the differential casing.
Owing to the numerous uses to which a mirror may be advantageously put upon motor repair work, the progressive mechanic is urged to give it a trial, and he will be really surprised to find to what a great extent it will prove 1-0 be of real service.
Looking Afterthe Rear Lamp During Summer-time.
wiTH the coming of Summer-time, the rear lamp is, in many cases, rendered unnecessary for ordinary work ; it is, however, a very unwise thing to leave it at home, as one never knows when a delay may be caused by a breakdown, so rendering ith use necessary. .
" C.A.B.," of Woodbridge, points mit that many drivers leave the rear lamp in ith usual. place for long periods at this time of the year, in which-case it is not uncommon for it to befound missing or damaged when wanted.. " C.A.B." has overcome this trouble, by fitting a bracket .inside his eah„ on ,which. keeps the rear lamp, _In. this .place it is free from risk of damage. wit 'be kept clean and is less likely to be forgotten than if it be left in its usual place at the rear of the vehicle.