OPINIONS FROM OTHERS.
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The Editor invites correspondence on all subjects connected with the use of commercial motors. Letters should be on one side of the paper only and typewritten by preference. The right of abbreviation is reserved, and no responsibility for views expressed is accepted.
Fires on Motor Vehicles.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MoToa.
[1700] Dear Sir,—From time to time I have had to attend fires which have broken out on petrol motor vehicles of all descriptions and a matter which has often shown up is the need for a reconsideration on the part of engine designers of the relative situations . of the petrol pipe and the exhaust pipe. The trouble is greater, of course in the case of those engines which have their inlet and exhaust valves on the same side, representing the large majority of motor vehicles.
Where the petrol pipe is brought from tank to carburetter above the exhaust pipe and from some cause, probably crystallization, the petrol pipe breaks, the petrol falls upon the exhaust, which is hot, instantaneously becoming gaseous and is ignited by the nearest spark, or light, or, possibly, by the exhaust itself.
The same thing can arise from the flooding of the carburetter or a loose connection, the petrol running down the outside of the pipe and falling or being shaken upon the exhaust pipe.
It appears that the run of the petrol pipe should be such that it is quite clear-of the exhaust pipe, and in no place should it be over the exhaust.
More attention requires to be paid to the matter of controlling the flow of the fuel from the tank, for when a. fire has broken out on a motor vehicle it has often been found impossible to get at the cock which controls the flow.
In the pressure-fed type, a valve or cock should be fitted that would instantly relieve the pressure in the tank. The pressure being removed, the petrol would cease to flow.
Gravity feed presents a different problem, but I think it could easily be overcome by the following method.
A rod could be fitted through a bush in the top of the tank, the bottom end of which could be a plug or plunger stop which, in the case of emergency, could be pushed down into the orifice of the outlet. Thus the flow of the petrol would be stopped without any need for anyone to get under the vehicle, and it could be done instantaneously. I am afraid designers do not get into contact with these problems, but firemen in the large. towns know how often a little thought in this direction, aiming to secure improvement of fuel supply control, would have saved a valuable machine. At the same time I wish to call attention to the small number of motors fitted with safety devices for filling tanks. Devices of tried value are on the market, and there is no excuse for their omission from petrol tanks. In conclusion, fires on motor vehicles may often be stopped if attacked at once with a three-gallon fluid extinguisher of the soda-acid type, of which numbers are on the market at reasonable prices. One should be carried on every passenger and commercial motor vehicle and kept ready for use.
Experience with extinguishers of the volatile liquid type has. not been as satisfactory as I should desire in appliances of this description, the principal factor, perhaps being that they are too small for the job.— ours faithfully, . SURREY FIREMAN.
Lighting of Commercial Motor Vehicles.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1701] Dear Sir,—Whilst the question of rear lights may be agitating the minds of our cycling friends, the lighting of the heavies, i.e., lorries and commercial vans, on the highways at present is deplorable, and merits some attention from motor owners and users. Oil lamps are common on this class of vehicle, and they give but a feeble light. How can they be looked upon as effective by the owners? The drivers are frightfully handicapped, and, many accidents consequently have already occurred this autumn. The worst offenders are the Government lorries. On these the frequent absence of the rear lanai) is particularly noticeable. Naturally enough, the police do. not interfere, for are they not in the same category— the property of the Government? Something like a town in the north where it is gossip—how true know not 1—that the " drunks " pass along without hindrance. They are known as "Government drunks."
But surely it is time, if the owners will not provide their employees with proper lighting sets, for the police to devote some attention to the matter.
The above remarks are based on what can be seen any night around Kingston-on-Thames, where the police excel in stopping the motor driver in the daytime for exceeding a paltry limit.
These feebly-lit lorries are a source of great danger to other road users. Can any reader suggest how some improvement Can be looked forward to ?—
Yours. faithfully, THE WANDERING WORM.