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ROAD and WORKSHOP

27th September 1963
Page 51
Page 51, 27th September 1963 — ROAD and WORKSHOP
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Simple mechanical tuition for the new driver

ARISING FROM a shorter working day in industry, there is a closing-in of the hours between which a goods vehicle can load and unload, with the result that the driver is finding less time to devote to vehicle welfare. Therefore, in moving away from the one-time skilled drivermechanic, we now accept the professional driver, not expected to have, or really needing, mechanical knowledge. Yet to the transport engineer the mechanically minded driver is a real asset.

All too often trouble develops en route and is not recognized until it has reached a critical stage or a full stop, and it will be realized later that the sometimes necessary full engine rebuild need not have gone beyond a single shell bearing or piston replacement had the driver the knowledge to appreciate performance or condition change.

The answer is not in the return of the driver-mechanic or training in motorvehicle technology. It is the writer's own experience that a simple form of knowhow can be passed on that will provide

the younger driver with enough knowledge to enable him to avoid the expensive results of driving on, with mechanical trouble developing. In other words, he can be taught to recognize symptoms without the need to know the ailment or cure.

Two hours with the engineer should suffice, being adviied of safe and Unsafe oil pressures; the smell of overheated oil or coolant (a red-hot rod quenched in water Or old oil will provide a !wogni/able smell of each). the answer to the latter being—stop! From the oil tiller orifice he can listen to the normal noises inside and be advised of the noticeable change there would be if piston or bearing trouble was in evidence; also what 10 expect from a failing clutch withdrawal bearing or a starter motor sticking in mesh.

At the exhaust-pipe end the driver can listen to an engine faltering because of fuel shortage or chuffing like a steam engine when an exhaust valve or valve seat is in trouble. He can be given the feel of normal hub and rear-axle heat and some idea of normal and critical play or slack in transmission, and drilled to investigate both engine, tyres and drive if unusual drag is causing him abovenormal gear changes.

In possession of this knowledge and these facts, with the odd variation, the driver can now play a very considerable part in reducing delay and unscheduled mechanical expense.

by

Handyman

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