Two Ideas from Inverness Reader
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THIS week's prize winner is Mr. R. McKenzie, of Inverness, who wins 3 gns. for the following two ideas:—
1. Corrosion on battery terminals has been successfully overcome in our workshop by the application of a detergent engine-oil bath to the terminals and the battery carrier. This idea has been well tested on our Morrison Electricars.
2. The mechanic looking after a fleet of 5or 7-ton B.M.C.s will find the following suggestion a great time saver. When removing the engine in these models the front cab moulding bolts prove to be rather difficult. On reassembly these bolts should be replaced by in. diameter by 1 in. long hexagonheaded setscrews which may be easily broken off instead of tedious unscrewing at the next removal. It will also be found that the metal round the bolt holes collapses into the plastic beading making the fitting of a spanner or socket nearly impossible. A square section spring washer under the head is sufficient to raise it up enough to overcome this. Comments Handyman. The idea on battery terminals is new to me but then I still tend to go after the cause rather than the effect. Corrosion begins with a combination of things, too high an acid level, rough treatment of battery terminals (which will loosen the battery post and cause creep), also persistent use of a round in. file on the terminals, which will destroy the tinning. Well-tinned terminals do not corrode. Have a look at the all-lead ones.
I am not too clear about the second idea, but I think Mr. McKenzie means the cab front grille or surround. I agree that after a good period of service these nuts are troublesome. Quite often on putting heavy pressure on a nut a piece of sheet metal comes with it. I have found it of value to use in. by j in. strip steel where there is room, and mark off, drill, and push two or three bolts through, then braze the heads to the strip and offer the now tied bolts up from the back side. This is well worth while when the engine is out of the way.