The Washington herald., 1921-10-30
QUESTION BOX.
By Il. III. COOLEY,
Vice President and and Director OF
Education Of the American
Motor schools.

Motor schools
Q. My battery is continually run
down. I must have It recharged
about every month. i keep 1t filled
with water and clean all the
terminals regularly. What can the
trouble be?
A. Your trouble is probably a low
charging rate. Night driving or
standing With lights on; q hard
starting engine that requires ex-
cessive use of the starter or little
daylight driving might be the
cause. An electrical service sta
ton should be consulted to have
the charging rate increased. II you
do not think that the aforemention-
ed trouble is yours, look for short
circuits.
q. i drive q Ford car; when 1
press my reverse pedal Il almost
touches the floor boards before the
car responds.
A Reverse band lining is bad
ly worn or band needs adjusting.
Q.The engine on my - car
runs unevenly; acts as though two
or three cylinders hit strongly and
the rest lightly. Get q spark at
each spark plug.
A. Your. trouble Is no doubt too
rich a mixture. Reduce the Easo-
line adjusting screw until engine
idles regularly.
Q. Why do people drive in day
light with their lights burning.
A This is usually done to pre-
vent overcharging the battery.
When the battery is fully charged
further charging is detrimental:
therefore on tours or much day
burning. Using the. starter for
intervals, with the ignition turned
off will also prevent overcharging.
Q. What is the advantage Of
diversified tires.
A. The larger circumference per-
mits a greater cushioning effect
with less strain on the tire and
therefore the oversize tire makes
easier riding and increased life OF
the tire.
Q. When I completely close the
gasoline needle valve of Tny carbu-
rotor the engine still refuses to
idle properly and acts as though II
were receiving too rich a mixture.
A. The valve in vacuum tank
which closes the port to intake
manifold probably does not Close
thereby allowing gas to go direct
ly to manifold from vacuum tank.
Detection of this trouble requires
close scrutiny as the valve seat
may fit properly when the tank
head lis removed and drop out when
it is again in operation. Sometimes
the needle valve in carburetor is
|
ing properly. Examining II Will
disclose this trouble II II exists.
O. Is there any remedy for q
hard-starting Ford.
A II valves and pistons are in
reasonably good shape starting
troubles are usually due TO gaso'
line or ignition trouble. One source
OF starting trouble on a Ford car 1:
the commutator or timer. This
should be kept thoroughly clear
and lightly oiled as these condi.
lions make for better electrical
} contact and therefore hotter spark.
J Great care must be used in priminG
, the car with the choke as once the
! engine becomes flooded nothing
will remedy the trouble except ex-
hausting the overcharge. This i:
done by shutting of the gasoline
entirely at the carburetor needle
valve and spinning the engine To-
a moment, then reopen the valve
and begin anew. A logical plan e
follow is to hold choke wire ou
and make two quarter turns, ther
let go Of the wire and give tn,
crank a vigorous pull and continue
doing four or hve times. II en-
gine does not start during thi'
operation try holding out the CHOKE
wire and spinning the motor twt
or three times, letting go Of the
wire and continue the spinning
The motor should start at some
time during these operations; II 1
J doesn't there is nothing to do bu
, start anew, always keeping II
mind the danger of flooding tn,
engine. II you are not sure OF the
! condition OF your timer, check 4
up before you waste too mucl
energy.