New-York tribune., 1918-07-01
Auton1obilin2
Iwenty-four Valve Engine
Being Developed by Lead
ing Auto Makers
By C. E.. T. Scharps

Double values are supposedly "a CON.
siderable advantage in engine con-
struction. and two motor car makers
have embodied this principle in their
four-cylinder power plants rather than
go to multiple cylinders. 1t is reported
that these cars show up wonderfully
we'll for power and tlexibility. doing
slow speed climbing performances that
may we'll be considered remarkable.
Now comes along one of the bes.
known of all American makers with
siN-cyhnder engine making use of
double valves-~in other words, a twen-
ty-four valve engine. The car is still
IN the experimental stages, but those
who have ridden in it-intcrested per-
sons. of course-say it will outperform
the twin six type. II so it is some per-
former, because the twelve-cylinder en-
gines we have sat behind can do every
thing except read and write. Oh, YES,
they can talk.
Owing to the state Of affairs within,
and without the automobile industry,
1t is rather unlikely that there will be
regular production on this particular
twenty-four valve engined car for
rather the tendency generally not to
announce any changes in cars. New
machinery and tools are not easy to
get, and it would boost the prices OF
automobiles away out Of sight if con-
siderable changes were made in them.
Economy Idea Predominates
So, even if the announcement is
made that such-and-such a car isn't
being changed even in the least detail
because the makers are satisfied it is
"okeh" as it is, the reader is entitled
to have his own thought en- the sub
ject. Changes aren't going to be made
because they are not good economy at
this time. Announcement of radical
alterations wouldn't fit in with the
economy programme of the govern
ment and wouldn't tend to endear the
motor car industry to the legislators,
who appear to, like excuses for gun
ming for it.
The old slogan "No radical changes.
merely refinements in detail" wont do
Tor 1919 cars, without amendment. The
slogan Will be, "No changes" and let it
60 at that
Apparently we are getting closer to
the vehicle tunnel between New York
and New Jersey, when Federal aid OF
the project is being solicited. If those
who planned this means OF conlmunica-
tion had to wait until the two states
got together on it, theirs might be a
very long delay, indeed. But now that
the United States Senate is to be asked
to devote some of the nations money
to this most important enterprise, there
arc chances it will make better prog
ress.
Aid it is thing of national mpor-
tance that there should be vehicular
communication of this kind between
the two states. A vast quantity of
goods for shipment abroad could be
moved all the more readily by means
of tunnel, rather than by dependence
upon ferryboats in war time this is i'm
portant, and after the war none the
less So The development Of commerce
which is visioned for after the War can
certainly be helped by the existence
of just such Hudson River tunnel to
accommodate vehicles, travelling for
utility purposes.
"The wise driver takes particular care
not to stall his motor on car track,
for many have lost their lives in this
trying to beat the train and he shifts
into second or low before starting
across if the going is rough and there
is chance of stalling
"But should you stall on the track
despite all precaution, remember that
your starter will pull you out quickly
II danger is imminent. In tight place
rather than try to start the motor, it
is better to shift into low and throw
in the starter motor, which will pull
you off the tracks unless the going is
unusually rough. There are. of course,
types of cars with which this is not
possible, but it is feasible with most
makes