ROADSIDE AND GARAGE.
Page 31
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A Page for Drivers, Mechanics and Foremen.
Engine Turning Mechanism.
The sender of the following communication has been awarded the extra payment of • 5s. this week.
(2236) "OP." (Walthamstow) writes': —" It is usual when resetting the valves of an engine after it has been overhauled to use a turning lever something like that shown in Pig. 5 of the sketch, where the forked end engages with the rim of the flywheel. This affords ample power, but is apt to mark not, only the flywheel but, in case of a slip, the fingers of the operator. I use an arrangement which is amply illustrated 'by the accompanying sketch, the loop shown is made of steel band 2 ins, wide and 1-16th in.
thick. It is long enough to go right round the flywheel and turn back on itself 12 ins, at each end. It is lined with leather or similar material in the same way as a clutch or brake. One end is fitted with a in -I in. diameter shouldered down to I in. at each end. A similar pin is turned and fitted into the other end, being subsequently riveted into position in the forked lever shown, which is made of 14 in. by in. bar."
Carburetter Float Repairs.
(2237) " A.J.A." (Holloway) writes :— " With reference to letter No. 2221 in The Commercial Motor of May 3rd referring to carburetter trouble, I was in a similar difficulty some time ago, in that I discovered that the carburetter float was punctured. I cleaned the float and wiped it, dry, then melted a little sealing-wax with a match and thus sealed up the hole, and as a result was able to finish my journey without any further trouble. I think it is a good thing always to carry sealing-wax and a cork out of a pickle jar. The former is useful for a good many things, and the latter is always handy as a spare carburetter float in time of trouble, such as that to which reference is made in this letter."
A Steering Gear Repair.
(2238) ' H G.S." (Southampton)
writes :—" We had a certain amount of trouble at one time owing to the ball pins of the steering gear working loose in the lever. On examination I came to theconclusion that this was partlyadue to the fact-that the pins, so soon as they were shaken loose by the excessive road vibration, to.which all the vehicles which we own are subject, rapidly made matters worse by turning round and round in their holes. This had gone on to such an extent that it was clear that we should either have to re-bore the holes in the lever ana Lush them, or, failing the bushes, order new pins to
suit. It was decided to make new bushes but to fit them on to the pins
not it into the holes in the lever. I made these bushes as shown in the sketch, and fitted the bail pins each with a key which projected right through the bush and engaged with a keyway in the hole in the lever, thus eliminating any possibility of movement, and eventually. as it turned out, diminishing the wear to such an extent that it became negligible."
Replacing a Road Wheel.
(2239) " E.G." (Deptford) writes:— "r think my method of replacing a road wheel is much easier than that described in a recent letter which appeared on your Roadside and Garage' page. I commence by jacking the axle up ..until it is about three-quarters of an inch higher than the position which it would -occupy if the wheel were on and resting an the ground. I then roll the wheel up to it and rest it as shown in the sketch, so that the inner edge of the hub rests on the outer end of the axle. The position occupied by the wheel is just the opposite to that one described by your former correspondent. I then take a couple Of iron bars, each about 3 ft. long, and put them underneath the wheel, one on each side of it, so that I can use them as levers to lift the wheel from the ground. I rest my forehead on the top edge of the wheel and, as I lift, push the wheel on to the axle.
" It is just as well to wear a, cap with a piece of padding inside when putting a wheel on in this manner."
Lamps Alight.
On Saturday, Juno 11th, light your lamps at 9.44 in London, 10.12 in 1•40wcastle, 9.57 in Birmingham, 10.25 in Edinburgh, 10.7 in Liverpool, 9.54 in Bristol, and 11.0 in Dublin.