Evening Star Newspaper, March 19, 1922, Page 58

QUICK THINKING ESSENTIAL WHEN AUTO CATCHES FIRE Water Useless in Fighting Gasoline Blaze: Keep Cool and Use Extinguisher or Lap Robe. extinguished by dashing a bucket of water over it, but there is danger of spreading the fire on account of the mud pan under the car. A small fire may be smothered with a lap robe,but Ithe 1iquid extinguisher should be our BY ALBERT N. ATKINSON. “And so my car burned up and was & total loss, as I carried no insur- ance!” That was all I heard of the conversation, but it brought forcibly to mind the comstant danger from | fire to which a car Is subject and | how little most people know about what to do. They usually act as If stunned or run around ’aimlessly, without doing any good and some- times do positive harm. Of course, a fire cannot be fought without some means of fighting it. but even whea the means are at hand they must be applied correctly to be of any use. In case of fire around the car buretor the first effort should be t. get the engine started. By running the engine with the throttle wide cpen some of the flame is drawn into the inlet manifold, where it will do no : harm. The gasoiine should now be shut off at the tank so as not to! feed any more Into the carburetor. On account of the heat around the float chamber the gasoline boils over and so helps to feed the fire. suction produced by the engine on the spray nozzle will soon remove this danger If the supply is shut oft at_the tank. If there is burning gasoline on the ground under the car, it will be use- | Tess to put out the fire above until} the one below has been attended to,: Yor it will immediately catch again. | The car should be pushed back or run } main rellance. It should be fastened in some inconspicuous place 80 as to avold theft, but should be Instantly accessible. " So keep cool, grab your extinguisher and you may be able to | save your own car. HELPFUL HINTS. A disagreeable rattle can often be traced to the torque rod, which can be eliminated by replacing the springs at the anchorage points of the torque rod, These springs are subjected to considerable straln and very often they break. An inspection of these parts will frequently uncover the cause of a very disagreeable noise. Care should be exercised in the proper lubrication of ball bearings. Often too heavy or solid Jubricant is used. Fluld oil no thinner than the | heavier machine olls is very good. Owners who are driving cars with i electric lighting systems should re- i member that In taking long trips it jwould be advisable to carry several gxtra electric light bulbs In the tool t. Very few people know how to_ad- just the spark plug points. Nine times out of ten the points are sep- parated too far. 'Most every one car- ries with them an ordinary visiting card. The spark gap should equal the thickness of such a card. .| may be purchasea at 'mos: under its own power. This requires nerve. but there is very little danger as long as there is not a hot fire brighter, but this is not dangerous. 1t has a tendency, however, to in- crease the feeling of panic—and panic is more dangerous araund a fire than the flames themselves. Our next effort should be to smother the flames, which is another way of saying that we must keep the air away. The best means fo- purpose is the liquid fire extingutsher. As ‘this “fire gun” takes up very iittle space, one should be carried on every car. Always direct it at the base of the flames. The draught carries the vapor up around the fire and prevents the air from reaching it. | But do not use sand on any part of the engine. It will do no good but will get into the working parts of the mechanism, which must then be completely disassembled and cleaned. n expensive process, as I can testify to my sorrow, for several times the students have used sand on our en- gines, thinking it the proper thing to do. Sard is invaluable in fighting a gasoline fire on the floor or ground. as it absorbs the gasoline and builds up a_protecting cover which keeps the air away. But never use it on any part of an engine. An ideal place to have a fire. if the term “ideal” can be used in this con nection, is around the carburetor of a V-type engine. Here it Is closely confined and the gas given off from the liquid extinguisher is not blown away. Start from the front near the fan ‘and work back. In fact. a fire here may almost be allowed to burn itself out. Ignition apparatus and wires may be readily replaced damaged, but the real danger is in setting fire to the dash and so con- ' tinuing to the rest of the car. There is little danger from the vacuum tank. It this tank is full the atmospheric | valve will be open, and if the tank is’ 2mpty the suction valve to the inlet manifold will be open. In either case the pipe to the main tank is open. So! the vacuum tank is always vented in | two places to carry off any pressure. There is absolutely no“danger of a 4 hnere bn aveolutely podanecr ot | Auburn Experts ply pipe to the main tank, so you have | nothing to worry abeut in that re- spect. Water, which is so useful around sther fires, is absolutely useless with zasoline and gets under the burning i liquid and spreads the fire. A small fire around a carburetor might be Courtesy Principle The first thing in our business is to know all there is to be known about the care and repair of storage batteries. But we can’t for a minute forget that it is not only what we do that counts. Our way is always the courteous way. ‘You may be sure that as we would want you to treat us if you were the battery service man and we were the car owner. Bring your battery Battery you're to be you will get the same attention, the same courtesy and the same service whether it is a Willard or not. —an Vi |{! horized 3 When the proper oil level in the crank case Is determined, the instal- lation of a drain cock in each depart- ment will enable the operator to keep his ofl at a fixed level. This Is an inexpensive installation | obviate ¢ lay from using too much oil. ANSWERS TO QUERIES. To the Automobile Editor: 1 you kindly let me know what benent w master vibrator is on a car? | Also if 30x314-inch tires can be used on the front wheels of a Ford car without making any changes to wheels?—A. J. Answer.—If the coil units are prop- erly hade there s no real necessity for a master vibrator. The vibrator of each unit, if properly adjusted, should glve satisfactory service and will afford little or no trouble, as em- ployed with the current-generating system. When 30x3-inch tires are used on the front wheels and 30x3t- inch tires are used on the rear wheels no change can be made, except you wish to install oversize tires. The oversize for the front wheels 31x3%-inch and the oversize for the rear wheels is 31x4-inch. To the Automobile Editor As a reader of your columns, 1 ‘wnuld like to ask if there is a kind of Sew e s e AUTO GLASS FOR_WINDSHIELDS OR BODIES, Installed While You Wait. i Taranto & Wasman s 1017 NEW YORK AVE. N.W. = Post & Schooley Formerly with Motor Co. of Wash. Stutz and General Auto Repairing 1428-30 Church St. N.W. Main 1297 is a First With Us but the way we do it we will treat you just in. If it’s a Willard congratulated. But e | Willard Service Stations Battery & Electrical Service Bradburn 616 Pa. Ave. SE. Lincoln 1430-J . Modern Auto Supply 917 H St. N.E. ‘The John A. Wineberger 3700 Georgia Ave. N.W. Smith’s Battery s 2119 15th St. N.W. J. Penning Service Station 1740 14th St. N.W. Standard Sth and R Sts. N.W. 1000 Michigan Ave. Lincoln 3396 Co., Inc. Columbia & Electric Co. North> 9928 North 7998 North 9681 North 1621 Waite Auto Motor Co. - 1420-36 Park Road Columbia 1317 MAIN STATION Washington-Battery-Company l c 1 1 THE SUNDAY enamel paint that could be used for underneath the fenders and at the side which would wear better than those ordinarily used. On my car at present the paint is chipped off and the metal has rusted.—Reader. Answer.—Before any paint is ap- plied to a metal surface all the rust must be removed. If there Is any rust no kind of paint or enamel will hold. After the surface has been thoroughly cleaned a couple of coats | STAR, WASHINGTON, often & disagreeable rattle s traced (o loose plates in the muffler. comes worn so that ri form, then it id advisable to install a new valve. Likewise if the valve stem has ridges a new valve should be installed. When the seat of a valve becomes very much pitted and these cannot easily be re- moved by grinding, it s best to replace the old vaive with a new one. Valves are not expensive, and bettcr results will be obtained%y. so doing. It I8 not necessary to obtain oversize valves when replacing. However, the new valve should be carefully ground irito the cylinder seat. D. C. TIRE ASSQOCIATION | ELECTS YEARLY OFFICERS D. B. Lehman Re-Elected President. Plans for Enlarging Member- ship Discussed. Officers of the Tire and Accessory Dealers’ Assoclation were elected for the ensuing year at a recent meet- Ing of the association in the Franklin Square Hotel. ‘The following were chosen: David R. Lehman, re-elected president Charles P. Stearns, vice president Ashby L. Leeth, executive secretary, and George W. Rundlett, treasurer. Directorsy were elected, as follows Leo Rice, I. M. Stalling: wW. C Dively and Joseph H. Hur! A resolution was adopted urging To the Automobile Editor: 1 have bebn-keeping my auto in a sta- ble and garage combined; and find that the paint has faded apd in some places it is falling off. Can you recommend a polish or varnish that can be applied with good results?—D. M. Answer—It 1s not advisable to keep a painted vehicle in a stable. The chemi- cal action you speak of Is caused by the ammonla fumes arising from the stable refuse. Any rellable coach bullder or painter can best recommend the most sultable polish or varnish after inspect- ing the condition of the vehicle. coats of good black enamel will serve the purpose well. This enamel paint any. store carrying a line of paints. To the Automobile Editor: Will you kindly let me 'know through your columns what will re- move grease and oil stains which have dried from the body of a light- colored car? Also what will clean the glass reflectors of the head- lights?—G. W. Answer.—If the grease and oll has dried and penetrated the varnish there is nothing which will remove the stain. You might try using but- ter. If this ls applied and allowed to remain on the staln overnieht you may be able to remove the stain partially by rubbing with a soft cloth. This should be done, however, before the forelgn matter has been allowed to dry. The glass reflectors may be cleaned by using alcohol and then finished by rubbing with a soft cloth and a little chalk. To the Automoblie Editor Wil you please let me know what is meant when they say the car is geared 4 to 1, and how can I find out how to it? Thanking you In advance— B. Answer—The rear axle gear ratio is usually meant by such a’term. You can determine the gear ratio of the dif- ferential gears by counting the teeth of each and dividing the number of teeth of the small gear Into the larger. The term *4 to ]” gear ratio means that the crank shaft of the motor completes four evolutions to one of the rear wheel From this you will note that no gear reduction takes place In the transmis- sion, but that direct drive Is consldered. 'To the Automobile Editos Is it necessary In changing a wire wheel, such as Is used on the up-to- date cars, to take out the bearings in the hub? I am thinking that if this s necessary 1 will order my car with the old-fashioned wooden wheels, as it must be a rather dirty job. 8. P. Answer—No, it Is not necessary to disturb_or handle the greasy bearings when changing a wire wheel. Tho hub of the wire wheel to which the spokes are attached is merely a shell or false hub, which fits over the maln or regular hub, which contains the bearings and grease you mentioned. To_the Automobile kditos Will vou kindly let me know under ‘what conditions poppet valves should be replaced? Also of what dimensions should new ones be ordered. the District of Columbia, 8o that tire dealers would have the right to place a lien on any car on which tires had been placed and not pald within a_reasonable time. Several new members were admit- ted and others approved for future action. To the Automobile Editor: I have a four-cylinder 1917 car, waich appears to have a hammering noise n the muffier. It has run 3,400 mlles, hav— ing had the carbon removed once. Hoping that you may be able to fur- nish me with some information as to the cause of this, I remain, . B. Answer—A muffler is usually made up from a number of perforated plates and other parts held in assembly by rods or bolts. It s possible that these have become loosened and need tightening. It is not a difficult matter to disassem- ble the muffler, clean the parts of car- bon deposits and resssemble. Quite Answer—When the valve .Nash Leads the World in Motor Car Value Foley, outlined plans considera- tlon for the betterment' of the tire membership of the association. Adjournment was followed by a buffet supper. —_— The late Queen Victoria of Great Britain was married o~ _ Friday. ——— seat be- Six Sedan HE result of the added enduranee with which the Nash Six is endowed is to give you a mechanism whose smoothly powerful and continuously - effi- cient performance is maintained to the very end of an uncommonly long life. In other ways, too, does this exceptional endurance constantly impress itself upon you. In the very low running cost, in the meager service expense, and in the slow depreciation of the car from the standpoint of resale value. 7 FQURS and SIXES Prices range frim $965 t0 $2390, f. 0. b. factory NASH SIX HURLEY MOTOR COMPANY Telephone North 6462 Guy McGlincy Birvon Motor Co. 1522 14th Street N.W. ympher Motor Co. Hamilton, Va. Herndon, Va. Clarendon, Va. Wilson-Nash Motor Co. Distributor: 112 West ‘Mt. Royal Ave. Del-Mar-Va-Nash Motor Co.- iBaltimore, Md. Blatimore, Md. PEERLESS A new Peerless car is unusually quiet, as everybody knows, and a Peerless owner will tell you that it is just as quiet after traveling thousands of miles. ~ THE TREW MOTOR CO. 14th Street at P Telephone Main 4173 Congress to amend the llen laws of for ‘The newly appointed active secretary of the association, Thomas industry and for the enlargement of the D. C,' MARCH 19, 1922—PART 3. of the United States bureau of public roads. 5 b geray been assigned to AUt | ;pheq several offices. The prisoner |answered the countryman, With Maj. W. G. Emory has been detach- | #aid he came here from North Caro- | knowing smile. = ed from the 1st Brigade, Halti, and ordered to Quantico. Capt. Cuba, to Quantico. Capt. delphia to Quantico. Capt. Arthur H. Turner, from New York to this cit; Quantico to this city First Lieuts. W. H. Fags at Norfolk, F. O. Rogers at Quantico and C. McCullough at Hampton roads, and Second Lieuts. been Brigade. in Santo Domingo. was the cost of the American high- ways to the individual man, woman and child in this.country last year, after deducting the amount paid by automobiles In license fee: Col. C. are now to be had in the American market—at from $6 to $8 each. W RATIO OF ROAD UPKEEP. | HELD AS HOUSEBREAKER. ! A War Belic. One and one-tenths cents per day | From the Pittsburgh Chronicle-Telegraph ?” Cla A British cyclist rode on through “Sleuth” Claimed Me Was Seeking |, > 1o ™" go™ Sap drenched and Evi juor Cases. splashed from head to foot with mud. demos 1n Tia ; | He saw a countryman walking toward James Teal, colored, who said he. him. o e had been working as a police agent How far to Riston?” he 2 “El in the other direction.” securing evidence in liquor cases, is iSight miles D bebind the bacs of tlis fifst precinct | Was.the answer. “Xbiie olnk ¥ police station today charged with “The other way'” gasped the cyclist. houscbreaking. He was arrested in | “But the last signpost pointed ‘This the Home Life building early vesterda: Way to Riston.'” morning, it is charged, after he had accord- € to Thomas H. MacDonald, chief —_— MARINE CORPS ORDERS. Hill, at marine headquar- “Ah, that post was turned around long ago to confuse the Zeppelins. lina In December. Numerous offices in the building have been robbed the last week, the police were told, and this morning the janitor of the building found Teal in onc of the hallways. The janitor notified the police. Teal, it is stated, had numerous | stolen articles In his possession when arrested. They included an overcoat, pistol and some fountain pens. Wonderful Prospects. the New York Sun. 'How is your daughter progressing at the conservatory, Mrs. Knowtall?” Fine. We have great hopes of her developing into a belladonn: Not Talkative. There’s a language of flowers: At leant with som But ove keeps silence— The chrysanthe “‘mum. Boston Tranacript S. Ladd. from Guantanamo, J. F. Moriarit: from Phila- Al A from. Gladden, H. . R. Whitman have ssigned to duty with the 2d e Watermelons from South W. S. Kenworthy & Co. 1621 14th St. Phone North 441 Africa Built by Oakland— A Division of General Motors— Guaranteed to All Who Drive It Here's a car that you ought to see—be- cause it's worth seeing and because it’s so much talked about. ' And you have the right to expect some- thing unusual from a car built by Oakland, an active and permanent division of the General Motors Corporation, and backed by a Special Written Guarantee. When you see the New Oakland 6 - 44, you'll realize at once why this New Oak- land is the real outstanding value of the year. Let us prove this fact to you. FPrices J11320 Coupe 1145 Sedan 1265 31685 1785 Roedefer = « Touring Car Sport Car Oakland Motor Car Company, Pontiac, Mich. Divisien of General Motors Corporation At Factocy District and) Company ‘Wholesale 1709 L St. N.W. Phone Main 7612 Oakland Retail N, S MOTOR C A RS Bartram Motors Company The Opening of Their New Show Room * Connecticut Ave. at Rhode Island Av i 1749 R. L. Ave. Monday, March 20 extend an invitation to the public to call We and inspect our new quarters and a showing of Lincoln MOTOR CARS. OPEN EVENINGS BARTRAM MOTORS COMPANY Show Room Connecticut Ave. At R. L Ave. 1749R. L. Ave. Main 6039 Service Station New Hampshire Avenue and M Telephone West 458 . 7