A SIMPLE PLUG-TEST1NG DEVICE.
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IN FORD VAN POINTERS, one of our regular features, the use of a screwdriver in short-circuiting -a sparking plug Was described and illustrated. The current being short-circuited from the plug terminal to the body of the engine, the gap at the plug points is temporarily cut out. If, in doing this, a noticeable difference in the running of the engine occurs, the test has proved that the plug has been functioning correctly; but, it the act of shorting the current has no such effect,' there is here an indication that thooplog wassooted,up or the gap between the points was too great for the current to bridge, and the driver making the test would then know that the plug should be changed or cleaned or adjusted.
Major Diaries Wheeler, the chief engineer of the mechanical transport sec c6 tion of the Post Office Stores Department, has brought to our notice an extremely simple. device, invented and patented by one of the 'men in his seetion, which is an improvement upon the screwdriver. It consists of a length of Spring teel folded double, provided with looped ends, and made to collapse in a tubular vulcanite holder, a pin (which is covered by a short end sleeve) preventing the testing blade from slipping out when folly extended.
Collapsed, it fits a waistcoat pocket, being 3. ins, long by • in. diameter: In use, the blade is pulled out and the looped ends placed in contact with the terminal and body of the plug, thus shorting the. current. It is such a useful device that, placed on the market, it should have a ready sale, 'particularly as; it could be sold profitably at Is. Perhais some manufacturer of useful accessories will consider the suggestion and get into touch with the inventor through Major Wheeler.