South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-04-28
AUTOMOBILE NEWS

op greater power when the cylin-
ders are hot than when cold. but
only when the dependent working
parts are in proper condition, or
correctly adjusted. The fact that
the motor loses power when hot in
dicates mechanical rather than
thermal deficiency, and probably is
caused by the expansion OF the en-
CINE parts. II the loss OF power is
when the motor becomes overheated
II may be that the pistons expanding
stick in the cylinders. adding 10 the
friction and therefore causing a loss
OF power. Loss OF compression
caused by valves not seating prop
crly may be the troL BILE. Unless
there is a clearance between the
valve stems and the push rods there
will be no space for the expansion
OF the valve stems when the motor
heats up. with the result that the
valves will not close tightly and
there will be a loss Of compression.
Motoring Dept. The News-Times:
The vibrator points OF one Of the
coils on my Ford constantly sparks
and the spark plug In line with It
gives a very weak spark at the
points. Do you think the coil is
short circuited. and can l repair il?
Thanking you in advance. am,
j. s.
Sparkling at the vibrator points
probably is caused by a defective
condenser in the induction coil.
When the core OF the coil is not
quickly demagnetized by the dis
charge Of the condenser through the
primary a magnetic lag results and
is responsible for the weak induced
high tension current at the air gap
Of the spark plug. It is advisable
to replace the entire unit.
Motoring Dept. The News-Times:
Will you kindly advise me how TO
drive over wet pavement without
slipping and skidding? VI. X.
Skidding is probably the greatest
danger the driver meets. In wet
weather the wheels should always
be equipped with non-skid chains,
which will assist greatly in prevent
ing this danger When a car skids.
turn the front wheels In the direc-
ton Of skidding When using the
brakes exercise great care not to
lock the wheels, and if possible
gauge the distance when about to
stop, so that the brake will be used
less. 1t is good practice 20 use the
brake with the clutch engaged. as
the breaking is more equalized and
the possibility of skidding reduced
somewhat.
Motoring Dept. The News Times:
/ Please give information on the fol-
| lowing in your Motorist column:
/ What can be used to reblacken
/ leather upholstering that is showing
wear? When a car is 20 be put up
/ FOR the winter months, should such
preparation be used now or wait
| until car is taken out in the spring 4?
r. T.
There are several good prepara-
tons on the market which may be
used satisfactorily to refinish and
/ bIacken the leather upholstery. This
may be obtained at almost any re-
/ sponsible auto supply store. It
would seem best to treat the leather
when the car is taken out Of storage.
We do not recommend any particu-
lar brand.
Motoring Dept. The News-Times:
The carburetor Of my automobile
constantly drips. with the result that
il is constantly wasting gasoline.
What Will cause this constant drip ?
n. ".
When there is constant drip from
the carburetor it indicates either a
gas logged float or a defective float
valve which fails to stop the supply
of gasoline entering the float cham
Der at the proper time. A cork float
which has become gas logged may
ne dried and covered with a coating
Of shellac. II is best. however. to
install a new one. Also he sure thai
the gasoline level is not too high in
the carburetor.