The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1909-06-11
SUGGESTIONS TO
Automobiles

1t is important to see that all NOV
able joints in brake are really work
ing, and not rusted fast. which is often
the cause of an inefficient brake.
An excellent method of protecting
brass work for the winter is to sat
urate cheesecoth with clarified, light
mineral oil, and wrap it about the
parts.
mixture of fake graphite and
grease applied to screw threads is fire.
quently recommended to prevent the
adhesion of the parts. due to rust or
expansion from heat. Another novel
recommendation is that mercurial oint-
ment similarly applied, will serve an
equally useful purpose.
The collection of carbon or metal
dust in the high tension compartment
is matter to guard against in the
operation of combination contact max
ers and synchronized high tension dis
tributors. If this aocumulates. I'M
certain ignition is likely TO result.
The selection of tires. lamps. and.
in fact. the general equipment of a
car, is carefully supervised by the
owner while when it comes to oil, the
chauffeur is often given free rein.
or the deciding factor is price. rather
than quality. The oil bill is probably
one of the smallest items in the up.
keep of car. while upon its selection
NAV depend the life of the engine.
If a car is driven too close to a
high curb the running board and fem
ders may be damaged and the hubs
of the wheels may also be injured It
is not always easy for driver to
Judge from his seat the height of the
curb, as compared with the clearance
of his running board and tenders, so it
is well to maintain safe distance.
A peculiar feature of the automobile
bill before the West Virginia leeisla-
ture is that it makes it obligatory to
use a fire chain, or "other continuance
when the roads are slippery.
BY far the best and handest thing
to clean the lens mirrors is a mix
ture of equal parts of alcohol and
water. 30 per cent solution evapor-
ates more slowly than pure alcohol so
giving time to wipe the glass clean.
See that the storage batteries are al
ways held tightly in their box. and
that all connections are tight. Rubber
sheeting it a good material for pack
ing the batteries. and deadens vibra-
tons to large extent.
A frequent cause of leaks in radia-
tors is said to be that the vents in the
filling caps become choked with sedi-
ments or dust. with the consequence
that steam accumulates in the radiator.
and the pressure, seeking an outlet.
forces an opening at the weakest point
mixture of red lead. white lead and
gold size will be found an excellent
means of stopping leaks of this kind
As for the ordinary purposes single
metal studded-tire on one of the rear
wheels is sufficient to give reasonable
security against skidding, it has been
suggested that in the case of those who
use removable rims or spare wheels the
spare tire should have a studded shoe,
ready for change if necessary.
When a motorist has become some
what of an expert in the running of his
car it will be found advantageous to
gradually feel until the poitn is found
at which the motor runs well, but will
not stand a further reduction. The
smaller proportion of gasoline the more
economically the motor will run and
the cleaner it will keep.
The carbonization of piston heads
and the surfaces of the combustion
spaces of gasolene motors is con-
dition which is generally regarded as
inevitable after extensive service. The
average motOrist is fully aware that
his engine while in use. is gradually
aecumuating carbon incrustations. and
probably in some cases attributes to
carbonization operative defects which
are due to other couses. Nevertheless.
great deal of trouble is oceasioned by
these deposits, the presence of which
is recognizable by well-known svmp-
toms. As with most other evils which
afflict gasolene motors, methods of pre-
ventiOn and of cure are both desirable
of application. The avoidance of too
rich or imperfectly gasified fuel mix
lures and the employment of not
excessive quantity of a grade of lubri-
eating oil which is as free as possible
from tendency to produce solid resi-
due are obvious preventives.
A handy thing for the motorist to
keep in his toolbox is an assortment of