Norwich bulletin., 1915-11-30

iodically to see that every part is in proper working order and to detect, wherever possible, loose nuts, impro- perly adjusted apparatus, etc, in plenty of time to prevent mishaps on the road, says the Detroit Free Press. So important do most of the motor car makers consider this periodic in- spection that they have in many cases laid down special rules in the matter for their dealers to follow, the aim be- ing to conserve the efficiency of the vehicles through detecting mechanical disorders in time to prevent their growing into serious maladies.
 These days, when a man buys a car, he usually is accorded a certain amount of this inspection and adjust ment service free of charge, but it is wel1 for him to take a lesson from this effort on the makers part and later, when the gratis service at regular in- tervals. thus forming a habit of fol- lowing the old proverb of a stitch in time.
 About every two weeks the car should be gone over carefully, grease cups examined, brake adjustments looked into. clutch action checked up, wheels inspected and the many other point about the mechanism tested to see that everything is as it should be To this end, it might be well for the owner to set down a regular inspection routine to be followed out once in two weeks. He might take the fol- lowing as an outline:
 Start with the motor-Clean the spark plugs and check up the dis tance between the terminals, which should not be over the thickness of a dime. Drain oil in crankcase and put in new oil. Go over bolts and nuts with a wrench and tighten loose ones. Test compression by turning motor over slowly by hand when the ignition current is off. If one cylinder is weaker than the others, look at its valves. If all are weak, excessive car bon may be expected on the valves, this preventing their proper closing. Or, the tappets may not be properly adjusted, holding the valves slightly open when they should be completely seated. Remember that the longer carbon is allowed to stay on the valves the harden it will be to grind them to accurate seats again, for the depos- its pit them deeper and deeper. See that here are no oil leaks, and also examine the water connections.
 Radiator-Look over the core of the radiator, and if rust places are found, take steps to have the leaks that cause them repaired at once before they get any larger. See that the overflow pipe from the radiator is open, as sometimes radiator leakage has been caused by clogged drain pipes prevent ing steam escapage, with the result
 
 water through the cooling system with a hose for few minutes to wash out sediment so far as possible.
 Electric system-Examine all wir- ing to see that the insulation is good. Tighten terminals that are loose. See through rubbing on sharp surfaces. Look at the storage battery, putting water in the cells wherever the plates are uncovered. Read the cell gravity with the hydrometer, and if any of the cells are strickingly lower in read ing than the others and below normal gravity the battery should be remov ed and these cells brought up to pro- per charge e-individually.
 Brake system-Test all parts of the brake assembly. Examine pins and cleViSeS and see that none of the bear ings is frozen by rusting. Look at the condition of the brake lining and see that the action is in uniform on opera tion of the pedal or lever. See that pins and nuts are properly locked by cotters or whatever other special means is used- Oil the bearings.
 Spring system-Look carefully at the spring bolts and shackles, and tighten loose spring clips. The latter is very important, as it is common source of breakage. So that all leaves are free to act and not rusted togeth- CT. Examine for alignment of the leaves
 Steering system-Look at all points and connections carefully See that there are no loose connections in crossrod, reachrod, or elsewhere. Play is bad thing in the steering connec- tion nuts and bolts should be properly cottered or otherwise locked. Ex- anime for excessive play in the steer ing wheel. One-eighth- turn is all there should be.
 Wheels-Grasp the top of the wheel and attempt to move it Sidewise to test for lost motion or play in the bearings. When lacked up free of the ground, the front wheel should turn freely backward or forward, but with out any side play. If there is loose freely backward or forward, but with out any side play. If there is loose- ness sidewise, the wheel should be re- moved and bearings, inspected for wear. Wheels should be greased in any case after from 2O00 to 5000 miles.
 Tires-Look them over carefully for cuts and bruises of a serious nature. Remove any foreign substance that might work into the tire. See that ex- tra tire and tubes are dry, and that they are not being chafed by straps or tire irons. Plug up all cuts, even if they are only one eighth inch long.
 Genera1@Examine all grease cups to see that they are properly filled, and that passages from them to the bearing surfaces are unobStructed. Never let grease harden and cake in neglact soon renders the grease cup ulesless. Examine all body, fender and running board bolts. and see that the lamp brackets are rigid and that the windshield is firmly in place. See that