Evening star., 1934-04-08

For those who have newer cars and
who have been careful through the
Winter to keep service up to par, there
must be a brand-new approach to
the subject of preparing for warmer
weather. This is demonstrated in the
case of the cooling system, where it
is no longer possible to effect COM
plete draining by merely opening up
the radiator petcock. In one case there
are two extra drains in the motor
block. This Is due to the use of larger
motors which tip toward the rear.
Most of the sediment and rust COL
lectS at these rearWard points.
Draining Unnecessary.
Where certain kinds Of anti-freeze
are used it is not necessary to drain
off for the Summer. In fact, where
the anti-freeze has higher boiling
point than water there is an advan-
tage in using it all year round, as
many automobile men are now doing.
Where anti-freeze contains special
lubricant to check radiator rusting it
will be found that the system is clear
er than it was when the anti-freeze
was added in the Autumn. In the
case of motors two or three years old,
however, a draining is recommended.
even though the anti-freeze Is put
back for the Summer.
One of the best ways to clean out
a cooling system that has clogged up
with sediment is to put some ordi-
nary washing soda into the radiator.
Use a teacupful to each two gallons
of water and have it mixed before
adding it to the cooling system. AL
low the whole system to become very
hot, by running the motor with
spark retarded and radiator covered
for about Is minutes. Then remove
the lower water hose connection for
draining Where soda, or any pre-
pared flushing compond, is used be
sure to drain off several times with
clear water, being careful not to use
cold water when the engine is still
hot.
Since various anti-freeZe solutions
have a tendency to soften the water
hose connections it is advisable to re-
place the lower one. at least. This
is usually longer than the upper one
and Is more likely to give trouble If
it is too pliable the water pump will
cause it to be drawn it at the middle,
resulting in its acting as an addi
tional thermostat. 1t will then slow
down the rate of water circulation,
causing overheating at higher speeds.
Much of the problem of preparing
the car for warmer weather lies in
safeguarding it against overheating.
1t Is not enough to be sure the fan
belt does not slip. Check the fan bear
ing for wear and see that it is prop
erly fabricated. Lubricants through
out the car should be heavier. There
should be no excuse for failing to
have the gear and rear end lubricants
drained off. Those lighter oils will
flow easily on a Spring day, and the
work takes but short while. Too
frequently owners overlook having the
universal joints and front wheel bear
ings relubricated. The latter should
be taken out and examined.
Get Right Mechanic.
The best way to avoid mistakes in
the line Of Springtime fabrication is
to have the work done by those who
make business OF knowing more
about your make of car. 1t should
be kept in mind that no two cars re-
quire the same treatment throughout.
This is demonstrated by the fact that
some distributor shafts should be oiled
while others require grease. Due to
the use of three general types of final
drive-hypoid, spiral bevel and worm
no one kind of lubricant will answer
all purposes even for this one unit of
the car.
After a check-up of the brakes,
which should include a test of the
condition of the lining itself by one
Of the new machines for this purpose,
the motor should be treated to a valve
reconditioning. Grinding alone will
not suffice. Valves must be made true
with the plane of their seats and the
work cannot be done without special
equipment. At this point the valve
and spark timing should be checked.
In almost every case spark timing will