The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-06-07
Captain Bullock Tells
Of IGNITION Troubles
That BeSet Car OWnerS
By WARREN B. BULLOCK.
CForuertv Captan Motor Transport Corps, .. {. Al

(FOrmerly Captain motor
Three phases of ignition must &c
studied in order to be thoroughly IA
miliar with the problem OF delivery
Of a proper spark into the mixture
in the engine cylinder. The battery.
the magnetic and the generator are
the three principal elements in cars
and trucks. and a good appreciation
of the problems involved will serve
to solve the troubles that may de-
velOp.
First of all the driver Of a truck
must appreciate that the electrical
equipment of his machine is by far
it's most delicate and important
phase. The majority of engine trou-
bles are traceable to the firing OF the
cylinder, and constant attention is
needed to give the proper service
from the vehicle.
The battery needs mere care than
the balance OF the ignition system be-
cause OF its constantly changing
character. its charging and discharg-
ing, the condition OF the electrolite.
in addition to the caring FOR proper
connections. as is required in any
part of the ignition system. First
OF all the terminals must be kept
clear to prevent a shorting OF the
current at the source, a rapid dis
charge OF the battery. and the imme-
date failure OF the truck to operate.
watch Specific Gravity.
The specific gravity OF the cleo
troIite must be watched for. when it
runs low the sulphuric acid in the
solution is being combined with the
lead Of the battery plates, and the
production OF current is running of,
in proportion t. the weakening Of
the solution. Tight connections from
the battery to the engine must be
maintained as throughout the entire
ignition system.
In case Of troubles in the magnetic,
first Of all trace down the wiring
TO ascertain that there are tight con-
nectiOns throughout. II there is no
spark at the plug, the trouble may be
in the magnet, in the breaker box.
or in the distributor.
The difficulty in the magnetic itself
is least likely. and in tracing back
the difficulty the best course is to
start with the breaker box. where
the breaker bar may be failing to
function. either by being itself broken
or because OF broken or weak
spring. The trouble may be with the
points They may be either out OF
adjustment or so burned and pitted
as TO be ineffective.
Trouble May Lie In Points.
The trouble may be with the points.
They may be either out of adjust
ment. or so burned as to be ineffec-
tive II out OF place they may be
either too far apart, or so close to-
gether that the current is not being
made and broken properly. If they
are burned or pitted they may be re-
repointed. by emery paper or a high
grade file There may be a short cir
cult in the primary current. which
instantly cuts out the whole system.
In the distributor box the short
circuit must also be avoided and is
normally the first difficulty to hunt
for. The distributor brush may work
loose and fail to rotate. may be
broken. or stuck, or so oil-coated or
glazed that the current is not being
transmitted through the wiring sys-
tenn TO the proper cylinders at the
proper time.
Battery ignition is through a COM
bination OF storage battery and gem
orator. by which the firing spark
may be delivered TO the cylinuer
generator. The generator automati-
calIy is adjusted 10 throw the cur
rent direct through the distributor,
or To recharge the battery, as the
require.
Keep Rotor Track Clean.
The ordinary troubles in this sys-
tenn are essentially those described
in the battery and magnetic problems,