Loose Leaves.
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DURING our recent trip to Germany we noted 1..../with considerable interest how many makers of commercial vehicles are employing the alloy known as Elektron for such parts as crankcases, gearboxes, and even pistons. Elektron metal is composed mainly of magnesium. It is some 40 per cent. lighter than aluminium and is more expensive, weight for weight, but as less has to be used the actual difference between the prices of castings of similar size in this metal and in aluminium or aluminium alloy is of little consequence, whilst the possibilities in the way of lightening a chassis are well worth consideration.
From what we hear of actual experience with this light alloy, it has one disadvantage. If brought to a red heat it is liable to burn merrily. An instance of this occurred recently when a fitter endeavoured to loosen a bush by heating the sur n14 rounding Elektron metal by means of a blow lamp. We believe that the bush was rescued! • However, such instances are few and that the metal may be used for pistons shows that it will stand quite a lot of heat without such trouble taking place.
AVE are very pleased to note that in many
recently designedengines the fan is being driven direct from the timing gears or chains, a friction. clutch usually being embodied in the fan centre. We consider this to be a step in the right direction which reduces the risk of 'failure and assists in that cleaning up of the design Which is so much to be desired. Fan belts are a frequent source of trouble and even if failure does not occur frequent adjustments have to be made with some of them to avoid excessive slip.
FOGS are upon us and, like the foolish virgins,
few drivers are prepared. Of the many devices marketed to improve (7) lamps for fog .driving one of the best types and the cheapest also, is a thin cover of sheet rubber which is stretched tightly over each lamp. The yellowish light thus afforded entirely overcomes the back-glare which is so disconcerting when lamps giving white beams are utilized. For guiding a vehicle there is little better than an electric torch directed on the kerb by a man walking beside the vehicle.
IN most vehicles the reserve petrol supply is contained in the main tank, consequently, where an Autovac in employed, any failure of this device also affects the reserve. We recently saw a most effective method of overcoming this difficulty by arranging for the reserve supply to be in front of the Autovac instead of behind it. The Autovac was contained in a supplementary tank bolding several gallons of fuel and ' the supply to the carburetter was taken by a stand pipe in this tank. If the fuel ceased to be drawn from the main tank the carburetter would run dry so soon as the stand pipe level was reached, after which three more gallons could be obtained by altering the threeway tap below the auxiliary tank.
A further advantage of the method is that on very steep hills, such as -Porlock, there can be no starving • of the carburetter, as is apt to happen when the throttle is fully open for a considerable period. We hasten to add that we believe the system has been protected.