Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-07

sometimes overlook is the closing of all
drain cocks. Open drain cocks, like
locked ignition keys in cars that won't
start, are usually the last thing looked
for in seeking for a reason for the dis
appearance Of water or the anti-freeze
compound, but actually they should be
checked first Of all.
The degree of protection given by
Anti-freeze compounds depends upon the
concentration of anti-freeze in the radi-
Rtor liquid. In determining the quantity
to be added the capacity of the entire
cooling system, including the water
Jacket, should be taken into consider
alton and actually measured when re-
liable information supplied by the
manufactures is not available.
Thorough Mixing.
Thorough mixing of an anti-freeze
compound with water is important. 1t
Is not sufficient merely to add the anti
freeze to the radiator. One gallon of
water should first be added, then the
desired quantity of anti-freeze material.
After filling the radiator to the proper
level the engine should be run for sew
eral minutes to mix the solution COM
pletely.
A hydrometer or similar device should
be used at various intervals, depending
upon the anti-freeze used, to check the
actual strength of the solution, and to
determine if more anti-freeze material
Is needed to be added, and, if so, how
much. For accuracy's sake, it is best
therefore to test the radiator LIQUID i'm
meditely after the addition of the anti
freeze compound. Some anti-freezes re-
uuire special testers, devised for their
compounds and available at dealers
stores.
In addition to the foregoing, the care
ful motorist will do well to scan (arld
make use of the following radiator
hints" compiled recently by the United
States Bureau OF Standards, that inde-
tatigable Government agency at Wash
lngton, D. c., as an aid to the more eff
hcient use of the conventional types of
automobile cooling systems.
Radiator Hints.
The following suggestions are offered
hs contributions to the more efficient
use of the conventional types of auto
mobile cooling system:
/. If the radiator gives inadequate
cooling this Is not necessarily due to
the faulty design. When the lack OF
sufficient cooling is noted only during
Winter operation, it may be due to the
use of a radiator liquid which is unduly
Viviscous, or which has a low heat ca
pacity as compared with water. made
Quate cooling also may be due to the
presence of rust and mineral deposits
Similar to boiler scale, which tend to
pbstruct circulation in narrow passages
and to reduce the efficiency of heat
transfer between metal and liquid. This
condition is most likely to occur where
hard water Is commonly used. Pre-
Ventive measure in such Localities would
pc the use of boiled water or rain water
IN the radiator. 1t has been suggested
by various writer's on the subject that
cleaning of radiators can be accom-
plished by filling the radiator for a few
minutes with ah dilute solution Is to
10 per cent? Of muriatic or acetic acid
or by treatment overnight with a solu-
ton of washing soda. followed in either
case by draining the radiator and flush
Ing 1t out thoroughly with water. Acids
should be used with extreme care. il
az all, 10 avoid damage to the radiator
by corrosion. Also the removal of scale
by any such means may uncover small
leaks previously stopped by the scale
a slight deposit or rust or scale may
actually be of value In protecting the
radiator against further corroSion.
2. In cold weather the radiator usual
" has an excess cooling capacity. This
makes possible the successful use in
Winter of radiator liquids considerably
more viscous than water The use OF
radiator solutions whose boiling points
are slightly above that of water, togeth-
er with the intelligent use of radiator
covers or shutters, should permit en-.
CINE operating temperatures in Winter
equal to Summer operating tempera.
lures, with, as a result, equal brake
thermal efficiency and freedom from
crank case oil dilution.
g. In using radiator liquid other thar
water their relative cost makes it i'm.
portant to avoid waste. If enough colo
liquid is initially used to completely
Gil the cooling system an appreciablt