ROADSIDE AND GARAGE.
Page 33
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A Page for Drivers, Mechanics and Foremen.
A Jig for Cutting Oil Grooves.
The sender of the follawimg communication has been awarded the extra payment of 5. this week.
[2264] " W.L.J." (Slough) writes :— " The accompanying sketch shows a useful jig whereby, in the event of a fleet of vehicles of any one type 'being run, oil grooves in new bearings or in bearings which have been re-lined may be rapidly and economically cut. It is in two parts, and made in the main from sheet steel in. thick. The one which is illustrated has been designed to accommodate A.E.C. main and big-end bearings. It consists of two parts, a cradle for the bearing and a holder for the milling cutter by which the grooves are made.
" The method of operation is as follows :—Slip the half bearing into part A and under the bolt B so that it is against the stops C. With the bearing in place, grip it by mean's of the bolts, which are provided at their ends with wing nuts (which do not appear on the sketch). Part B is made so that its outer ends overlap those of A. It drops into place with the shaft sliding down the slot in part A. The depth of that slot may, if required, be such that, when the shaft rests on the bottom of the groove, the oilway is cut to the correct
depth. In A.E.C. bearings the oil grooves are in the middle of the length of the bearing itself, consequently the milling cutter is mounted in the centre of the shaft. Sometimes, however, the oil hole is drilled a little out of centre, and to allow for this variation the shaft (B) is fitted with adjustable collar (B), whereby the precise position of the cutter
along the part (B) may be adjusted. I have not put any dimensio.is on the sketch, as these will vary with the type."
Repairing a Petrol Pipe.
[2265] " A.S.B." (Colchester) writes : "Having been very busy on motor coach work, I did not have an opportunity of reading your issue of July 5th until a day or two ago. I then saw letter No. 2251, by W.A.J.,' on your Roadside and Garage' page, which referred to the breakage of a petrol pipe. I have had the same thing happen to me on several occasions, and the following method of temporarily repairing the pipe is very quick and efficient. First, spring the pipe i,i so that the broken end presses into contact with the male part of the union. Then wind some fine string, hemp 'or wool round the end of the pipe until a small ball is formed large enough to fill the inside of the union nut, then screw the latter into position, and the packing will hold the pipe securely."
Improving a Steam Wagon Steering Gear.
[2266] "H.A.B." (Rotherham) writes: —" I think the writer of letter No. 2245, in suggesting that a bronze plate should be fitted between the swivel and ewivelplate of -an overtype 'steam wagon in order to ease the steering, has overlooked a rather important point, and that is that on both of these two parts of a steam wagon steering gear, there are lugs, the-object of which is, by engagement with one another, to prevent excessive lock of the steering wheels. I think if he puts a floating thrust-plate in, as he suggests, he will find that these lugs wia then be too short to engage with one another and there will be a risk of the steering wheels being turned too far round.
"I think it is the praCtice of the makers to bed the swivel into the swivelplate, making the one a good fit across the whole diameter of the other, and this makes a good job and comparatively easy steering. In order to keep it in this condition it is only necessary to keep it well supplied with a good oil which will stand the heat which inevitably finds its --sway to the swivel from the smoke-box. If stiffness does occur, it can be remedied by thoroughly cleaning the parts.
Lamps Alight.
On Saturday, August 6th, light your lamps at 9.9 in London, 9.29 in Newcastle, 9.18 in 'Birmingham, 9.40 in Edinburgh, • 9.31 . in Liverpool, 9.19 in Bristol, and 10.12 in Dublin.