The American Cyclopedia of the Automobile Volume 3; A Work of Reference & Self Instruction (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909 Excerpt: ...tackled the ignition, and soon found a somewhat considerable blowing at the ignition plates (this being tested by pouring a little oil around the spindles of the tweakers) and considerable maladjustment. So much for the value of theory and diagnosis. We do not deprecate the system of observing symptoms and following them out to the end, for in a high percentage of cases the correct trouble is found, but, as we have shown, on occasions one is apt to be led far away from the actual ill. The ignition in the above case, by the way, was low-tension magneto. Insecure Terminals. Cars are sometimes sent out with stranded connecting wires just twisted round all the terminals, and there held by the screwing up of the terminal screw. We would strongly advise any autbmobilist who finds his new car wired in this careless and shiftless fashion to get proper terminals soldered on without delay. It will save both time and temper in the long run. Moreover, from frequent bending round the terminals, the stranded wire breaks, and one often gets nasty, painful pricks in the fingers therefrom, which smart and are sore for some time. There can be no sort of excuse for sending out cars wired up in the slipshod way we have referred to. and the purchaser of a car should see that it is put right. Varnish for Electric Terminals. Electric terminals which happen to be in such a position as to be subjected to water or mud accumulating upon them can be effectually prevented from possible short circuits by painting them with a varnish composed of ordinary red sealingwax dissolved in a little gasolene. This varnish is made by putting into a small bottle a quantity of small pieces of sealing-wax, covering the latter with spirit and occasionally shaking it. If the varnish should prove too th...