Answers to Queries.
Page 21
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Our readers will be informed by the Editor on any points connected with the construction or use of commercial motors. Where a dircct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclmed : if a request for privacy is not spectally made, any query and answer may be published. Some replies, owing to pressure on our space, are held several weeks. Numerous requests reach us for lists of motorcah and commercial-vehicle owners ; these we never supply. Our advertizement columns are open to those who desire to make announcements to owners for the purposes of trade
Wants a Good Representative.
[1971] " AGENT " writes :—" I want to find someone in London to solicit orders on commission for this company from shippers and export agents ; there would not be enough work to wholly occupy anyone, but it could be worked in with other business ; if you know anyone suitable, I shall be much obliged if you will refer him to me."
ANSWER.--We regret that we do not know of anyone suitable for such representation as that you suggest. Appointments for soliciting orders on commission only, as a rule, do not attract men of any value. We generally have a few first-class men in mind who are offering services of a special nature ; but, as we have said, we regret that we are unable to suggest any name in respect of your requirements.
Advice on Valve Setting.
[1972] "VALVES" writes :—" I should esteem it a favour if you would inform me of the correct way to time the valves, etc., of a commercial car. I get mixed in the position the pistons have to be in when the inlet and exhaust valves start to open and close."
ANSWEIL—You must arrange for the inlet valve to open just before the exhaust valve closes. The exhaust valve should open about 50 degrees before the bottom of the stroke, and close about 20 degrees after the top of the stroke. The actual setting depends on the type of engine. You will, perhaps, do best to purchase a copy of the "Motor Manual." which is published by Temple Press Ltd., at is. 6d. You will find valve setting adequately discussed on page 187 and the following pages of the latest edition.
Vans and Tires.
[1973] "COVENTRY" writes:" I am considering the advisability of purchasing a light motor lorry and should be glad if you could give me some advice respecting same.
"My journeys would be between 20 and 30 miles per day, with a, load not exceeding 13 cwt. " Can you give me some idea of what is most likely to be suitable, also upkeep of same, stating cost per mile of running, and what you consider would be a reasonable wage for driver, who would be expected to deliver the goods?
" T am giving a decided preference for solid tires in my con siderat ion."
ANSWER—The mileage to which you refer is extremely low to allow the best and most economical use of a motorvass Any of the advertisers in our pages of vehicles of that class produce machines which should serve you. You should certainly be able to run a van of the load capacity mentioned at a sum not exceeding 31,d. per mile for all charges other than driver, although your depreciation will not fall within the figure sinless the van be carefully handled throughout and well maintained.
Speedometers and Recorded Mileages.
119741 " Clansinrs " writes :—" I am interested in a fleet of motor vehicles and find that we have an omnibus with a seating capacity of 14, the approximate weight of which unladen is 2 tons 6 cwt., 2 or. it is fitted with solid rubber tires. A speed indicator is also fitted and as the tires wear down, of course the indicator registers more than the actual mileage run. From a measured distance of three miles when the tires had worn about 2 in. the indicator recorded 3 miles 440 yds. This variation I take it occurs with all makes of speedometers, and I should be glad to know whether it is usual with motor-vehicle users to snake adjustments by periodical deductions from the recorded mileage, to arrive at an aproximately correct mileage, and if so, will you please say what method for adjustment is adopted?
Could you give me a fair average percentage to deduct on the life of a tire so that I could arrive a( an approximately correct mileage, as unless-this is done, of course, it is obvious that the mileage rendered to the tire manufacturers who supply the tires on a guaranteed mileage basis, do not obtain a correct figure?"
ANSWER.—We have made definite inquiries, and find that most of the rubber tire companies are quite well aware of the fact that the actual mileage is affected by the wearing of the tires, owing to the effect this has on the record secured from the odometer. As a rule the ordinary mileage returns which are sent by customers are accepted. This is subject, as a rule, to a correct ion known as "dead mileage." In several cases that have come to our notice, this calculation is equal to about 24 per cent. Some of the tire companies, however, accept the ordinary speedometer figures without. any such correction.
Converting an Old Chassis.
[1975] •' RAILWAYS " writes :—" Our friends, Messrs.
have been asking our advice in reference to the advisability of converting passenger chassis for the purpose of goods traffic. We have given them the text of our experience on the matter, and also gave them to understand that it was impossible to give a definite opinion, not knowing the make of chassis, and they then sent us the enclosed details.
"Could you give us any information regarding the make of chassis, and also perhaps you would not mind giving us your opinion as to the desirability of converting this type of car for goods carrying purposes." Pwllheli and Nevin old Motor Chassis. Name of Makers.—Supplied by Messrs. Moss and Wood, London, representatives of Swiss firm. Firm of Moss and Wood now extinct.
Tare.—Four tons (including body). Length.—Chassis 16 ft. 104 in. Proposed lorry, 17 ft. 6 in.
Horse Power.-20.
Weight estimated to carry.—Three tons. Type of construction.—Engine of horizontal type. Two-cylinder, water-cooled. "Orion " patent No. W.I.O.P., A.D. 1904. Speed of (300 r.p.m.
ANSWER.—The machine mentioned by your friends,
the is a model which is well known to us. it is one of those which Was originally run by the Old Vic Omnibus Co. between Cricklewood and Victoria. It is an Orion Swiss-made chassis, with all the tackle below the level of the frame line. The principal thing that your friends must decide for themselves is their ability to secure spare parts. We are unable to say if these are still supplied. With regard to their converting the machine from a passenger vehicle to a goods lorry, there will be, we think, little difficulty about that. Such a question usually only arises when the conversion is in the opposite direction. We do not think, as a matter of fact, that your friends will be well advised to .go on with a vehicle of this description. which is. to all intents and purposes, obsolete.