F.I.A.T. Motors, Ltd •
Page 20
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Principal Exhibits :-40h.p. Chassis; 40h.p. Bus; 5-ton Lorry.
A 5-ton lorry built to the order of the Soudan Government is the principal exhibit, whilst, beside this, is placed one of the Company's new chassis, in which the engine is placed under a bonnet, instead of beneath the footboards as formerly.
The latest chassis is a good example of present-day engineering practice as applied to motor vehicles, and will repay inspection. The engine develops 4oh.1j., and the cylinders have a bore of /25mm., whilst the piston-stroke is isomm. The radiator is carried in two trunnions, which permit of a certain amount of movement and, at the same time, allow for expansion and contraction of the outer framing of the radiator. The lubrication of the engine is effected by means of a mechanical pump, which is carried in an oil-reser voir bolted to the dash. The pump takes the form of a short horizontal shaft, which is rotated by a light belt from one of the camshafts. The shaft is fitted with cams, which, as they revolve, force down a series of small plungers, and these reciprocate in short submerged barrels. The oil is supplied in a definite quantity to the principal engine bearings, and varies with the revolutions of the crankshaft.
A multiple-disc clutch is employed. This has 2S bronze plates, and an equal number of steel ones, whilst a ball thrust is fitted for the elimination of end thrust. The fiy-wheel is exception
ally large, and takes the place of a fan, vanes being cast in it for the purpose; the full diameter of the fly-wheel is 2 feet 3 inches.
The gear-box has four speeds, and the changes are obtained by a lever working in a gate. This lever controls three selector rods.
Final transmission is by side chains, which run over sprockets having, respectively, 17 teeth and 27 teeth. The road wheels are of the standard type, and are built up of two dished steel discs, which have their concave faces opposed. The edges of the discs are turned over and riveted to the steel rim that carries the superimposed tire rim.
The control of the chassis is simple; there are no taps or levers, only one foot
pedal. The dimensions of the chassis• are as follows : length overall, 19 feet inches; width, 7 feet 4 inches ;. length, from dash to centre of back axle, to feet inches..