Second-hand Vehicles.
Page 12
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Points to Note When 'Buying.
i In all but exceptional cases it s preferable to have the proposed purchase examined by an expert engineer, and one, moreover, who is accustomed to this class of work and in consequence can tell from experience, as well as from technical knowledge of the peculiarities of each type and make of machine, where to "look for trouble.' Briefly, Briefly, the following is the examination to which we should advise submitting a chassis which was being offered on the second-hand market.
Examine the frame from end to end for cracks, particularly along that portion between the. dashboard and the driver's seat. Examine the condition of the tyres ; a new set of tyres adds from £50 to the price. Examine the wheels, hubs, rims and spokes for cracks. Jack up both axles, and test the fit of the bearings on the axle ends. Test the condition of the differential by rotating the rear wheels to and fro. Tr t all the pin joints of the steering and brake gear one by one to ascertain the amount of wear which has taken place, also the joints of the clutch-operating gear and the shackle pins of the springs. Examine each leaf of the springs from inside and out, to see if any' of the leaves are broken. While the front axle is jacked up try the steering pivots of the axle itself.
Meantime, the hand-hole covers of the crankcase, gearbox and back axle should have been removed by an assistant so that the examiner can feel the engine bearings and, test the wear which has taken place. When he has satisfied himself on all these points, the engine should be run free in the -chassis at different speeds and carefully listened to during the time it is running, to detect any irregularities ; details of the engine such as ta-ppets, carburetter, magneto, water -pump, valve gear, etc., should all have attention. A thorough examination of the universal joints should be made, and the condition of the brakeshoes and brakedrums noted. If possible, a run on the loaded vehicle. should be arranged, preferably in a hilly district, and the prospective purchaser should during the run devote the whole of his concentrated attention to the behaviour of the vehicle. Finally, if the examiner has any doubt about the. strength of the chassis, or of its capacity to carry the rated load, he should communicate with the makers, giving the number of the chassis, and ask them for information.