The Washington times., 1922-01-21

year. Pump cooling has noticeably
increased in popularity over the
thermo-syphon. : '."- =
This is an interesting development
when noted in conjunction with the
devices to control engine temperature.
Force feed for the Oil has registered
gain. Aluminium pistons are sig
nifcantly more popular. with mum.
Der Of new designs in iron pistons.
Vacuum fuel feed Is almost universal
and battery ignition retains its hold
on the 1922 chassis. The block type
cylinder with detachable head is
practically standard. and we must
not fail to note that practically every
engine has a hot spot In the intake
manifold, or some device designed to
accomplish the same end,
Further back in the chassis disc
and plate clutches have registered a
decided gain in the percentage col
umn. The gearset has not undergone
any especial change. the selectivc
type remaining standard. In the
field of universal joints the fabric
type has made u small gain. Metal
universals show a decided improve
ment in lubricating qualities, which
Ia important when II is considered
how the average motor car owner
neglects this vital part. 80
g.. mi-Elliptic Springs. I
Hotchkiss drive. strangely enough,
has lost ground. This method of
transmitting the drive and torque
through the rear springs now finds
a place on about go per cent of ths
chassis, a slight loss from last years
percentages. A number of new makes
and models have made their appear
ance. with separate torque members
of some kind and this has served to
give Hotchkiss a setback.
No change Of importance In noted
In the spring fields. The standard
type Is still the semi-eiliptic, which
Is found on more than 100 chassis.
In addition to this conventional type
there are some fifteen other tvpes
of springs in use. rang ng from the
quarter-elliptic -cantilever OF the Chrv.
rolet 400 up to the double reversed
semi -elliptic transverse employed on
the Marmon,
Brakes show little change. except
that the new Duesenberg gives us a
braking system operating on both
front and rear wheels. This 10 the
only one and most Of the chassis
show conventional brakfhg systems
operating on the rear wheels. Thir:
ty-two chassis fit brakes on the for.
ward end Of their propeller shafts.
There has been slight change in
the rear axle situation. Semi-float.
ing rear axles show a gain of 7 per
floating types. Spiral bevel IL the
type Of gear employed practically
universally for final drive.
Roller bearings show a definite
gain in popularity. Frames show a
stiffening, the need for which has
heen becoming apparent for several
years.
Wheel Situation Interesting.
The wheel situation is interesting.
The traditional American wheel. OF
wood has lost a great deal Of ground.
In the open models alone this year
forty-six are offered with wire wheels
and thirty-six have disc wheels. In
practically every class the manufac-
turers offer wire or disc wheels as
extra equipment. where they are not
standard. The wooden wheel fs still
I'm the lead. but it's rivals at last are
making definite inroads on its pop
ularity.
A tendency to be noted Is toward
larger tires and more cords are be-
ing fitted this year than ever before.
On nearly so per cent Of the chassis
at the show cord tires are standard
equipment.
No review Of 1921 would be com.
plete without some mention OF the
number Of cars that are being placed
on the market and which differ from
conventional practice. Two new
steam cars are In existence, the Coats.
which lists at 81 ,0S5, and the Geariess,
Pittsburgh product. The Goats Is
the first steam car to be offered in re-
cent years at a moderate price, and
the reception that has been accorded
It Is flattering to it's sponsors. Evi.
IDENTIFY 1922 is going to witness q re-
crudescence of steam as a motive
power for highway vehicles.
More Air-coOled Cars.
There Is also a notable acquisition
Of air-cooled cars. The Fox air-cooler
Is being Produced in Philadelphia and
has many interesting points of design
and construction. General Motors Is
about to launch an air-cooler which
has aroused the keenest interest In
the entire motoring world. This car.
1t is understood. will be offered at
low price, and readers of The Times
will probably have had q chance