Los Angeles herald., 1910-01-30

consumed the smoke will be black. An
oversupply of either oil or gasoline VIII
cause dirty valves and sooted plugs.
A constant buzzing of the coil de-
notes a short circuit. The coil should
buzz only when a spark is wanted.
When the coil does not buzz it is an
indication of no current caused either
by weak batteries or broken wiring.
After a woman has operated her car
for some time she can readily tell, by
the sound whether the engine is run
ming smoothly and correctly. If there
is premature ignition, loose bearings,
loose distance rods, any small obstruc-
tion in the sprocket or gears, or a
broken or loose framework, or, in fact,
any unusual sound, 1t should be imme-
diately investigated and eliminated, If
possible, for although one may be able
to get home the damage done is quite
apt to be expensive to the owner.
When the engine has become over
heated and the pistons are jammed
tightly by lack of water, the cylinders
can be tested by sprinkling a little
water on them. If the water Kisses
and Immediately dries off the tank
must not be refilled until cool. Some
kerosene can be poured into the pis-
tons while they are hot This can, of
course, be taken from the lamps. If
the pistons have become seized the
cooling process will be a slow and
tedious one. There are symptoms, how
ever, that indicate overheating, such
as a violent pounding of the engine,
steam issuing from the filling nozzle,
water coming out of the overflow pipe
while driving, continued firing after
the ignition is off and smoke rising
from the engine. If these symptoms
are noticed, and kerosene is injected
into the cylinder, meanwhile turning
the engine by hand, the temperature
will go down and the pistons will move
freely. The most effective way to cool
a heated bearing is to pour water on it
until cool 1t should be well oiled be-
fore attempting to run the car again.
Exercise Care at Corner
In driving it is quite necessary to
disengage the clutch or to apply the
brake when turning corners. The
speed of the car should be lessened
by throttling as the corner is ap-
preached and opening up when about
halfway around. Plenty of room
sl.ou,l always be allowed in case of the
car skidding. In climbing steep grades
it is necessary to drive with the spark
little slower and throttle well opened
The engine should never be allowed to
race; the moment it begins to race the
spark should be retarded An engine is
at its best when run at its highest
sped without racing.
A car should never be left standing
alone without setting the brake and
removing the switch plub. Testing the
brakes every day only takes a second
and is an important thing.
The woman autoist must have her
car positively within control before at
tempting steep grades. In ascending
the principal requisite is plenty of
power, while in descending the brakes
are an absolute necessity if danger is
to be avoided. When the woman is driv-
ing she mt give all her attention to
her work. She cannot look around at
the scenery, talk over the latest fash
ions with her friends or forget her re-
sponsibility, for the slightest mistake
or a loss of control of the wheel may
result seriously if not fatally to her.
self and companions.
All should at first confine themselves
to short trips until they have learned
to understand each and every piece of
mechanism of their car and the proper
function of each. On long trips it is
especially necessary to thoroughly
know the motor. When that is accom-
plished longer trips may be taken with
perfect safety, especially if a little
previous experience will have the effect
of instilling confidence, which is an
asset not to be ignored.
The woman who is learning should
above all else be possessed of the virtue
OF patience. She cannot expect to learn
to know her car at once. Perseverance
and patience and time will work Won
ders and constant association win
things mechanical gives one degree OF
skill in manipulating tools that will
astonish the novice. Common sense is
the first principle needed to run car.
Ingenuity is another needed requisite,
and with intelligence and the desire to
become proficient the average woman
may confidently expect to develop into
successful and expert car driver
The Automobile.