ACCESSORIES & FITTINGS
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°For Light Vans.
Aluminium Pistons.
Users of Ford vans who desire to increase the efficiency of the engines in their vhicles might like to be informed of the•possibilities of aluminium pistons. Light pistons and connecting rods, known to the technical mind as reciprocating parts, are advantageous inasmuch as they reduce the inertia effects, and, consequently, the friction on the bearings due to inertia. Indirectly, in this manner, a saving in power in effected. Better engine acceleration and less vibration also result.
Bramco, Ltd., of 1, Ellys Road, Coventry, are agents in this country for what are known in the U.S.A. as Levett pistons and rods. Both the pistons and the connecting rods of this name are made of ' special material, and considering the inertia effects, it is claimed that with the Ford standard piston and rod running at 2000 revolutions per minute, 960 lb. is the inertia force, whereas, on the other hand, if a Levett piston and connecting rod be used, the figure for the inertia at the same speed is only 264 lb.
Transmission Bands.
Users of Ford vans, and in particular those who have had a fairly lengthy experience of this class of vehicle, will be aware of some of the peculiarities of the design of the two-speed gear which forms an essential unit of the construction of that chassis. They will be aware that the alternate speeds are engaged through the medium of contracting bands, these being customarily of flexible steel lined with some form of fibrous material, such, for example, as Ferodo. In the ordinary way, we believe, when a renewal is necessary it becomes essential to dismantle a considerable portion of the transmission gear, the operation involving several hours labour. A. J. Dew and Co.. of 21-2, Endell Street, London, W.C., have evolved a quick-detachable transmission band, to which they have given the trade name of "Endell."
One of the two drop forged ends of this band is detachable. It is attached to the band by inserting a. circular button into a hole of the right diameter and allowing it to slide along a slot only wide enough to let the neck of the button pass and not the head. Our illustration serves to -claiify the teitual description. As the price of this
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band complete with lining is only 10s., it would seem that one such renewal would pay for itself, J wing to the saving in labour resulting.
Freezing Mixtures and Radiatorleak Menders.
We have recently had one or two cold snaps, and though they have not been sufficiently keen to cause any accidents owing to the freezing of cooling water in the cylinder and radiators of vans or motors generally they will have served as a warning to the wise driver and owner that the time' of the year is at hand when due precautions must be taken against such an occurrence. It is safest, generally, entirely to empty the radiator and jackets of the circulating water so that by no possibility will a mishap due to these freezing occur. Even this wise precaution, however, owing to the possibility of locks, or, in some cases, to bad design of the water-ways, which may allow a portion of the water to be trapped, is not invariably sufficient, and many users pin their faith to a reliable anti-freezing compound.
Such a one is marketed by Brame°, Ltd., of 1, Ellys Road, Coventry, and is in the form of a powder which is added to the cooling water. It is claimed that a solution of this powder can be ma-de sufficiently strong to render the resulting liquid absolutely proof against anything less than 69 degrees of frost, an unheard of temperature in Great Britain.
The powder is sold in tins, the contents of each of which makes four gallons of solution, which is guaranteed to prevent freezing at any temperature below zero, F., that is to say 32 degrees below freezing-point. It is claimed that this powder does not alter its properties in use, and that it cannot harm the material of the engine or connections. Loss by evaporation is made up by adding sufficient water, but if any of the solution leaks, then the deficiency must be made up with sufficient solution. The price is 5s. per tin.
Another material sold by the same company is useful for stopping leaks in radiators, cylinder water jackets, etc. This, again, is in the form of a powder and is known as Field's Compound. In the case of a leak in a honeycomb radiator, it is recommended that the engine be run until the water is hot. The radiator cap should then be removed and a little of the compound poured through the filler orifice. If the leak is only slight, three or four teaspoonfuls will be sufficient; more, of course, will be required if the leak is a large one. Commence with a small amount of the compound, and continue to run the engine until the leak is stopped.
For mending a cracked water jacket, more drastic measures are necessary. It is necessary to dissolve the contents of half a pound of the compound in 14 pint of boiling water. Fix the cylinder to be treated in a position which will bring the crack to the bottom ; pour in the hot mixture and let it remain 1.8 hours, The outside of the crack must be heated with a blow-lamp or gas flame for a quarter of an hour ; it should then be cooled and tested under 10 or 15 lb. pressure. The operation can be repeated if necessary.
The eureka Petrol Controller.
A. W. Gamage, Ltd., of Holborn, is marketing a simple fitting, which permits of efficient control of the petrol supply to the Ford carburetter. It consists of a quadrant, which is attached to _the steering column just below the wheel, and a Bowden wire connection to the dashboard disc which is ordinarily used to regulate the richness of the mixture to the engine.
This regulator enables the driver to operate the disc from the steering column, and also allows him to become better acquainted with the best and most economical position for that regulator.
The quadrant on the steering column is marked -svith three positions—start, slow and fast. With the lever in the start position, the richest mixture is, of course, being supplied ; after the engine has been started the lever may be moved to the slow position, which closes down the jet needle slightly, reducing the proportion of petrol to air. As soon as the engine gets warm and the driver is on the road, he will find that he can gradually open the throttle and manipulate the finger lever of this controller between the points slow and fast, the object being to give the cylinder a full charge of air and petrol, whilst at the same time taking care that as much of the former and as little of the latter as possible is used. The idea to keep in mind when driving the car is to keep the throttle open as fully as advantageous, and the petrol supply as small as may be compatible with the satisfactory running of the car.
The company guarantees for a Ford car notfat present fitted with the Eureka petrol controller an average increase of not less than eight miles to the gallon of petrol used, a saving approximately of
25 per cent. Full instructions for fitting are supplied with the centroller, the operation being so simple that the average driver will be able to fix the mechanism and re-start his ear in half an hour.
Oil Reservoir and Pump.
Morris, Russell and Co., Ltd., of 75, Curtain Road, London, E.C., market a couple of very useful accessories for use in connection with the popular Ford. van. The first of these is a cylindrical tank for attachment to the dash. It suffices to carry a sufficient additional supply of oil to enable the Ford user to travel several times the mileage ordinarily possible on one supply without having to purchase fresh oil.
The other fitting is a handy pump, whin is used in conjunction with the tank for transferring some of the oil from the tank to the engine crankcase. There is no need to stop the engine when it is deemed advisable to renew the oil supply.
Covers For Steering Gear Joints.
Wear on steering gear joints when these are uncovered and exposed to road dirt can usually be attributed rather to the presence of road grit than the ordinary movement of lubricated metal 'surfaces one upon another. It has always been agreed that leather covers are an advantage for this portion of the mechanism, not only do they prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture, but they can also be made to serve as receptacles for lubricant. A further advantage which, though it is not often pressed, is that in the case of an accidental breakage due possibly to sudden shock, the leather coVers will hold the parts "together temporarily and prevent sudden derangement. The Ford chassis is no more immune from troubles of this kind than any other. Brown Bros.. Ltd., of Great Eastern Street, London, E.C., have designed and market a suitable set of covers for this purpose on Ford vans. The set is named the " Eto," and retails at 9s.