Los Angeles herald., 1908-09-06
THINGS MECHANICAL
ABOUT THE AUTO

1t is a very noticeable fact that the
average motorist is not so particular
about the appearance of his vehicle as
are the owners of horse-drawn carri-
ages He has, however, several excuses
on his side for deficiency in the matter
of paint and varnish, one at least being
that however spick and span his car
may be at starting his journeys are
seldom short enough or over sufficient
ly clean roads for such a decorative
taste to persist to their conclusion.
Another point, also, which deserves
some notice is the want of durability
of varnish or paint under the condi-
tions prevailing with a motor vehicle,
which seems TO be attributable to the
deteriorating effect of road dust at
high speeds. The effect Of the sand
blast" on such hard materials as glass
and porcelain is familiar. and there
can be little doubt that to a similar
action is due the want of durability
and motor carriage paint work. The
principal effect will usually be noticed
on the paint at the back of the car,
where the thrush of dust-laden air is
most violent.
The fact that the constant vibration
of the car will loosen, open or shake
iarred out of place should not be over
looked; in fact, the mischief that can
be accomplished in this way is some
times surprising. Cocks and taps
should always be carefully watched,
for if they are not tight they will sure
ly jar open. The relief cocks on the
cylinders will, of course, give instant
warning when they. are open py tne me
Kissing of the escaping gas; but drain
cocks in oil chambers will quietly al
low the last drop of oil to run or,
leaving the bearings or gears without
fabrication. Drain cocks in the water
system will also do their mischief si-
lently, the motorist knowing nothing
of what is happening until his engine
begins to overhead. Cocks and taps s
should therefore be adjusted so that
they turn stiffly, and they should be
placed where they will be as free as
nossible from the chance of an acci-
dental knock.
A FREQUENT cause of noisy gears re-
suits from the renewal OF a plnloh
which is put to mesh with an old gear
that is worn. The one which has seen
long service is necessarily somewhat
lacking in its denticulation and much
resents to be forced to do further duty
especially in company with compan-
ion TO which it is not habituated. When
a bearing becomes worn it causes want
of alignment by allowing the shaft to
run out of parallel. Often the rear
bearing of a gear box wears more than
the rest through the strains set up y!
the foot brake and the propeller SHAFT
with the result that the mesh OF the
ninions becomes inaccurate and the
teeth begin to grind. For silent run
ming it is not only necessary that the
teeth be accurately cut, but also the
depth at which they shall mesh be ad-
iusted to a nicely. therefore the correc'
boring of the receSses in the gear cas-
ing where the ball races fit is quite
as imnortant as the perfect formation
of the teeth of the pinions themselves
Gears a shade too deeply in mesh VII
make a great complaint about 1t, only
10 he eoualed by the hurly-burly they
are capable of when the pitch lines
do not coincide through their centerS
being too far apart. The importance
| of having shafts which carry pinionS
truly parallel with one another will be
realized when it is pointed out that
whereas with parallel alignment anc
teeth properly in mesh, there is con-
| tact on a line the width OF the tootf
of the pinion and a true rolling motion
| If the gear is { ccurately cut, wher
shafts are out of parallel the teeth only
| bear on a corner, and there is a de-
| structlVe rupplhS aclloh dI lile SoiA'
| time.
Usually after the rubber mating or
motor cars has been in use for a time
its uniform color disappears, the oil
and grease collecting upon it from
boots and by dripping tending to rot
and discolor it. To prevent the de-
struction and discoloration the mating
should be painted with lead colored
naint which when dry gives a varnish
surface. Not only is this oil proof
hut IL gives a bright look to the mat
and renders it easily cleaned by means
of cloth.
Denver Auto Show
An automobile show is to be held in
Denver, Colo, during the week of Sep
tenber Z, in connection with the first
annual Interstate fair and exhibition OF