Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-28
HINTS TO AUTO DRIVERS

A not infrequent question asked is
whether 1t is possible to convert a low
tension magnetic sy stem into nlSh-
tension, using the original machine ana
simply sending the low-tension current
through Transforming coil. There is
no special difficulty in converting the
system to high-tension. Adapters for
ordinary high-tension plugs would have
to be made to replace the low-tension
trip gear. The magnetic could remain
as it Is, and then 1t would be necessary
to arrange for a combined loW-tension
contact maker and a high-tension dis
tributor and a transforming coil. The
distributor and make-and-break would
simply have to be driven from the half
speed shaft and set in the correct posi-
ton to insure timing the cylinders
properly. AS there is only one wire
from a loW-tension machine, and this
comes direct from the armature via a
carbon brush, this would go to one con-
nection of the make-and-break coil,
while the other terminal would simply
be a frame connection back to the mag
neto, The high-tension terminal of the
coil would connect in the usual way to
the distributor, from which the plug
connections would be made. Whether
an ordinary non-trembler coil would
answer, or whether it would have to be
specially wound, would be matter for
experiment.
There is a common belief among mo-
torists that the reading of the odometer
attachments to speed indicators, as
well as the readings of the speedome.
tiers themselves, are considerably af-
fected by variations in wheel diameter,
such as may arise from altering the
brand of tire, assuming or rejecting
non skids, or from variations in in
flation pressures. AS a matter of fact,
however, such differences amount to
very little where relatively short dis
tances are considered. Thus a web
known maker of speed indicating de-
vices is responsible for the statement
that such variations are responsible for
inaccuracies of less than 100 feet per
mile. Calculation shows that for a
difference in amount of half an inch
the error should amount to not more
than so feet to the mile for a 34-inch
tire, which substantiates the above
statement.
A very thoughtless habit many chauf-
feurs and repairers cultivate is that of
using the nicely vanished mud guards
of automobiles to deposit their tools
and all sorts of things when execut-
ing work on the engines and gears. The
front guards are the greatest sufferers,
chiefly, perhaps, because the engine
other part of the machinery, and the
nice, broad expanse presented so tempt
ingly and conveniently appears to be
Irresistible. 1t would be quite worth
while making some covers of strong
cloth which could be quickly strapped
over the guards before repairs on the
car are undertaken.
In most engines the piston heads can be
scraped clean of carbon without removing the
pstons from the cylinders by means of spe-
cially formed scrapers introduced through the
opening over the valves through the spark
plug holes when the latter are horizontal. This
form and size of scraper will depend on the
particular engine, but almost any suitable
form may be made from 5-16-inch steel tubing
about 10 inches long having the ends hammered
fiat and turned over at right angles in a wise.
The ends are then filed straight and sharp,
and the shank of the scraper may be bent to
right or left if necessary, or left straight
Frequently two scrapers will be needed In
order to use both right and LETT hand bends
The advantage of tubing for this purpose is
that no blacksmith work is necessary.
About the easiest way to remove dust from
the reed of horn is by passing slip Of thin
paper under the reed.
One way to make nut that is too large do
for emergency service is by hammering one
side of the nut until the round mole assumes
oval shape. In this way the nut will take
hold of the threads OF the bolt on two sides
and will maintain the part in position until a
nut of right size can be secured.
The elimination Of sidesway is being worked
out by the use of fiat springs of the laminated
leaf type made extremely long in an en-
deavor to obtain easy movement, and at the
same time it is necessary to form the side
members of the frame so that there will be
ample room for vertical play between them
and the axle. The frame side members may be
dropped below the upper spring supports and
it is possible to obtain both proper clearance
and at the same time low center of gravity by
a combination of large wheels and ers'ung
frame which while it differs materially from
accepted practice and is unconventional In APP
pearance has the property of Offering the de-
sirable advantages of superior suspension and
the elimination of sidesway. Full elliptic and
three-ouarter scroll elliptic leaf springs may
be used to advantage with drop frames. and
the vehicles of recent development have
brought decidedly better spring action, ana
modern spring suspensions in most cases elimi-
mating syyaying.