The modern gasoline automobile
THE MODERN GASOLINE AUTOMOBILE
ITS DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
A practical, comprehensive treatise defining all principles pertaining to gasoline automobiles and their component parts. Invaluable to motorists, students, mechanics, repair men automobile draughtsmen, designers and engineers.
BY VICTOR W. PAGE
NEW YORK, THE NORMAN W. HENLEY PUBLISHING COMPANY, 1912
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The modern gasoline automobile
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The modern motor car has reached that period in its development where one can safely say that it has become perfected to such an extent that further improvements must be in matters of detail only and not in alterations of essential components. It has been so widely adopted and is used in so many industrial applications that even the most conservative must admit the automobile has ceased to be an experiment and it is a reliable method of transportation that has demonstrated its worth conclusively.
It is said that there are over 800,000 motor vehicles in use in the leading countries of the world, and the yearly output of the world's manufactures is approximated at about 300,000 cars per annum. Of this number over 500,000 power-propelled vehicles are used in the United States, and the yearly output of domestic producers is estimated at 190,000 automobiles. The enormous demand existing for this practical conveyance has impelled the manufacture of well developed types of motor cars which can be sold at very moderate prices because they are produced in large numbers. This has resulted in a wide increase in' the number of motorists and many who formerly could not afford the higher priced automobiles have become motor car operators because they can maintain the moderate priced cars at present obtainable without too great expense.
Obviously, it is not difficult to acquire a knowledge of the principles of operation or the mechanism of the conventional motor car if one has had mechanical training or a practical knowledge of automobile construction, and it is patent that many motorists who are driving their own cars have but a vague understanding of the principles of operation of the mechanism which comprises the up-to-date automobile. The ranks of motorists might be augmented by many who have the means to purchase but who believe that the maintenance cost would exceed that of a horse-drawn conveyance of equal capacity, and the natural impression which prevails that only those well versed mechanically can operate motor cars successfully can be dispelled only by a better understanding of motor car construction. When one takes cognizance of the many vehicles successfully operated by comparatively inexperienced persons it is apparent that operating is not difficult, but it is the repairing and maintenance costs that deter many from owning motor cars.
There has been no lack of instruction books or elementary treatise dealing with motor vehicle construction, maintenance or operation, but in these, for the most part, a common error has been made of assuming that the reader had more or less knowledge of mechanics. It is evident that any work which presupposes a certain amount of training on the part of the reader cannot be successfully employed in teaching the rudiments of any science. At the other hand, pamphlets which are too elementary in character cannot convey a practical working knowledge because so much is left for the motorist to learn after he has grasped the main principles underlying the design. Many business or professional men do not possess even an elementary knowledge of mechanical principles, and as this class forms the largest proportion of the motoring element, in defining the basic principles of an automobile, it is necessary to use simple exposition that often times appears to be elementary to the student or engineer well versed in the subject under discussion.
Many of the works on automobile construction which have been exceptionally valuable in the past have a materially lessened value because much of the matter contained therein is out of date and not applicable to the vehicles of the present day. In the present work the writer will endeavor to define the essential elements of the modern gasoline motor car, and after explaining the basic principles upon which the successful use depends, it is proposed to describe actual forms and typical mechanisms so that their practical application and the relation the various parts bear to each other can be easily understood. It is obvious that familiarity with the machinery of an automobile will enable the operator to give intelligent attention which will insure the longest life and minimum operating expense. It is believed that a systematic and logical arrangement of the subject will enable the reader to gain an understanding of the functions of each part and the typical groups of mechanism illustrated and described should make for a better understanding of the various parts as they actually are in the leading automobiles. While it has been the practice in works of this character to include a general exposition of all types of self-propelled conveyances, including gasoline, steam, and electric automobiles, in the present instance, matter relating to the steam or electric motor car will not be given. The writer will discuss only those automobiles in which the gasoline engine or hydro-carbon motor is utilized as a prime mover.
The gasoline car is now used almost universally, and the steam vehicle or conveyance propelled by electric power has been practically relegated to the background. The gasoline car has such obvious advantages and is so economical to maintain that when a proper analysis of its good features is made, the reason for its popularity will be apparent. Among many of the advantages of the gasoline car may be mentioned first the large range of choice because of the number of types available on the market. Second the capability of running long distances without replenishing supplies. Third wide dissemination of knowledge regarding its construction. Fourth no gauges to watch and practically automatic operation. Disadvantages some- times cited are an occasional unpleasant exhaust, the necessity for physical starting of the engine (at the present time largely eliminated by self-starting mechanisms), and shifting change speed gearing when road conditions or gradients demand maximum engine power.
The steam car still has a number of staunch adherents because it possesses important advantages in that it has a good range of power which can be easily controlled, it is quiet in action, has freedom from vibration and simple means for control and easy restarting after a temporary stop. Some of the factors which militate against its use are a limited number of makes to select from, attention and time required to get the vehicle started after a stop of some moment, close attention required to steam, air, water, and other indicators, and on cold or damp days a visible exhaust due to the condensation of the used steam discharged from the engine.
The electric car has many good features, and it is widely used for both pleasure and business purposes wherever proper charging facilities are available. It is quiet, clean, easily started and controlled, runs with no appreciable vibration, and has very simple and efficient gearing. The disadvantages, however, counterbalance the good points. Such vehicles are expensive to operate, owing to the great weight to be driven. Their touring radius is limited, the average being from twenty to fifty miles per charge of batteries. Other factors are the great weight to horse power ratio due to the use of storage batteries; the time taken to recharge; the liability of batteries to injury, a high initial and maintenance cost and slow speed. It is apparent that its chief field of activity would be in towns or cities, delivering merchandise, making professional or social calls, attending theaters, shopping, and other strictly urban work. Obviously, it cannot be used for touring purposes, but where cost is not an all-important element one will find the electric automobile entirely suitable and practical for all town work.
The writer believes that neither the steam nor electric automobile is of sufficient moment at the present time, when compared to the number of gasoline automobiles in use, to warrant an extended discussion of their construction or operation. In the present volume the space which in contemporary works is usually devoted to these types will be utilized in a practical discussion of items which are usually neglected, such as gas engine operation, maintenance and repair; hints relating to tire restoration or manipulation and an exposition of the latest and most suitable accessories which conduce to greater safety or comfort while motoring.
The omission of the historical matter which usually prefaces a work of this character may be criticized as well as the elimination of many machine details that are commonly presented chiefly because of their value in showing progress made. As the science of automobile engineering has reached that point where radical departures from the conventional or standard construction are not considered with favor, it is safe to assume that the era of standardization and stability of design is at hand. Many changes have been made in the past in basic design of vehicles or their components, and many parts formerly thought essential can be dispensed with. As an example of the discarding of designs which gave promise of being permanent, one may mention the practical elimination of the high-wheeled or buggy-type automobile, which are now almost entirely off the market.
One-, two-, and three-cylinder four-cycle engines and those of the compound form or having horizontal cylinders have been displaced by the modern four and six vertical cylinder forms, the former being used even in the cheapest types which formerly utilized one or two cylinder power plants. Simple air-cooling systems are seldom used, and angle iron or wood frames which were supplied on many pleasure cars are now used solely on heavy commercial vehicles and pressed steel frames are now almost universally used in pleasure cars. Plain bearings, used in the past in gear sets and axles, have been replaced by anti-friction members. Lever, tiller or rack and pinion steering gears are seldom used now, irreversible wheel types are employed on nearly all classes of cars except some electric runabouts. The single chain drive is seldom seen, while the double chain system of power transmission which had wide application in pleasure cars has been succeeded by more efficient driving systems and is used only in heavy commercial car work by modern engineers.
Low tension ignition and the use of batteries for electric current production are found only on old type cars. All modern vehicles include mechanical generators of electricity such as the magneto, or dynamo. Two-cycle engines are not widely used except in marine applications. Short stroke high-speed motors have been replaced by the more efficient and enduring modern moderate speed forms. Expanding band clutches which had a number of advocates in the past are seldom used at the present time. But few makers use planetary or individual clutch transmissions, and two speed gearsets are seldom seen except when an epicyclic change speed gear is fitted.
The progressive sliding gear type is passe, and the friction transmissions which were formerly employed in many forms are now utilized only in the simplest design on a few cars. It was formerly considered good practice to use engines fitted with automatic speed governors as automobile power plants, but governed engines are now found mainly on motor trucks. Wick, surface, drip, bubbling, film or generator valve type carburetors or vaporizers have been entirely replaced by the float feed spraying type. Among some of the other
features of construction which are in decline may be mentioned tubular front axles, semi-elliptic rear springs or long side springs and driving axles without torque or radius members.
On the other hand, during the past year there have been a number of innovations which merit detailed description because they are found on many automobiles of late models. Other works dealing with automobile construction published in the past, make no reference to these improvements owing to their recent development. Among these may be mentioned torpedo and other symmetrical body forms designed to overcome air resistance ; sleeve valve motors, a general adoption of the selective sliding gearset in the three and four speed forms, the adoption of shaft and bevel gear drive on even the heaviest pleasure vehicles, the increasing tendency to favor worm gear power transmission, the universal application of magneto ignition and development of electric lighting systems.
There is also more consideration of left hand control, growing use of unit power plants, wider application of block motors and two bearing crank shafts, and a better appreciation of the advantages of the underslung chassis. The I-beam section front axle is almost universally used, and there is marked improvement in multiple disc clutches, wider application of practical self-starters, and more general adoption of ball and roller bearings at all points. The use of long stroke motors, offset cylinders and automatic lubrication systems make for pronounced increase in automobile efficiency. There is also an augmenting tendency to place "change speed gearing on the rear axle, toward the use of three-quarter springs for rear suspension, supplying larger wheels and tires as well as quick detachable wheels and rims. Some of the foreign tendencies which may influence domestic design are a return to wire wheels by some of the leading European engineers; the application of silent chains for valve operation, in change speed gearing and even final drive and use of front wheel brakes.
In addition to these final improvements may be added a better realization of the advantages of alloy steels, a universal tendency to weight reduction, and increase of power to weight ratio. The floating rear axle has almost entirely displaced the simpler form and marked improvement is noticed in carburetor construction owing to changes in grade of fuel now supplied which impelled the development of multiple jet and compensating vaporizer forms. Many novel and practical accessories have also been developed.
In order to make this work wide in scope, not only will principles of construction and operation be discussed comprehensively, but many examples from contemporary foreign and domestic practice will be given to amplify the subject and increase the reader's opportunity for the acquirement .of a practical motoring education. The illustrations have been carefully prepared, and for the most part the cuts detailing construction of the various components are reproduced or adapted from actual working drawings and thus are true outline representations of the objects described. As previously stated, it is believed that a concentration of effort in treating exclusively of vehicles propelled by internal combustion motors will make this treatise one of more practical value to the majority of motorists than any heretofore published.
The repair hints and suggestions given for maintenance and equipment are based on a wide practical experience which dates since the inception of the industry as a designer, repairer, and operator of motor vehicles, and should be of exceptional value to those who have not had an opportunity to become familiar with automobiles but who can apply the experience of others to good advantage.
DOWNLOAD FREE AUTOMOTIVE BOOK:
The modern gasoline automobile
It is said that there are over 800,000 motor vehicles in use in the leading countries of the world, and the yearly output of the world's manufactures is approximated at about 300,000 cars per annum. Of this number over 500,000 power-propelled vehicles are used in the United States, and the yearly output of domestic producers is estimated at 190,000 automobiles. The enormous demand existing for this practical conveyance has impelled the manufacture of well developed types of motor cars which can be sold at very moderate prices because they are produced in large numbers. This has resulted in a wide increase in' the number of motorists and many who formerly could not afford the higher priced automobiles have become motor car operators because they can maintain the moderate priced cars at present obtainable without too great expense.
Obviously, it is not difficult to acquire a knowledge of the principles of operation or the mechanism of the conventional motor car if one has had mechanical training or a practical knowledge of automobile construction, and it is patent that many motorists who are driving their own cars have but a vague understanding of the principles of operation of the mechanism which comprises the up-to-date automobile. The ranks of motorists might be augmented by many who have the means to purchase but who believe that the maintenance cost would exceed that of a horse-drawn conveyance of equal capacity, and the natural impression which prevails that only those well versed mechanically can operate motor cars successfully can be dispelled only by a better understanding of motor car construction. When one takes cognizance of the many vehicles successfully operated by comparatively inexperienced persons it is apparent that operating is not difficult, but it is the repairing and maintenance costs that deter many from owning motor cars.
There has been no lack of instruction books or elementary treatise dealing with motor vehicle construction, maintenance or operation, but in these, for the most part, a common error has been made of assuming that the reader had more or less knowledge of mechanics. It is evident that any work which presupposes a certain amount of training on the part of the reader cannot be successfully employed in teaching the rudiments of any science. At the other hand, pamphlets which are too elementary in character cannot convey a practical working knowledge because so much is left for the motorist to learn after he has grasped the main principles underlying the design. Many business or professional men do not possess even an elementary knowledge of mechanical principles, and as this class forms the largest proportion of the motoring element, in defining the basic principles of an automobile, it is necessary to use simple exposition that often times appears to be elementary to the student or engineer well versed in the subject under discussion.
Many of the works on automobile construction which have been exceptionally valuable in the past have a materially lessened value because much of the matter contained therein is out of date and not applicable to the vehicles of the present day. In the present work the writer will endeavor to define the essential elements of the modern gasoline motor car, and after explaining the basic principles upon which the successful use depends, it is proposed to describe actual forms and typical mechanisms so that their practical application and the relation the various parts bear to each other can be easily understood. It is obvious that familiarity with the machinery of an automobile will enable the operator to give intelligent attention which will insure the longest life and minimum operating expense. It is believed that a systematic and logical arrangement of the subject will enable the reader to gain an understanding of the functions of each part and the typical groups of mechanism illustrated and described should make for a better understanding of the various parts as they actually are in the leading automobiles. While it has been the practice in works of this character to include a general exposition of all types of self-propelled conveyances, including gasoline, steam, and electric automobiles, in the present instance, matter relating to the steam or electric motor car will not be given. The writer will discuss only those automobiles in which the gasoline engine or hydro-carbon motor is utilized as a prime mover.
The gasoline car is now used almost universally, and the steam vehicle or conveyance propelled by electric power has been practically relegated to the background. The gasoline car has such obvious advantages and is so economical to maintain that when a proper analysis of its good features is made, the reason for its popularity will be apparent. Among many of the advantages of the gasoline car may be mentioned first the large range of choice because of the number of types available on the market. Second the capability of running long distances without replenishing supplies. Third wide dissemination of knowledge regarding its construction. Fourth no gauges to watch and practically automatic operation. Disadvantages some- times cited are an occasional unpleasant exhaust, the necessity for physical starting of the engine (at the present time largely eliminated by self-starting mechanisms), and shifting change speed gearing when road conditions or gradients demand maximum engine power.
The steam car still has a number of staunch adherents because it possesses important advantages in that it has a good range of power which can be easily controlled, it is quiet in action, has freedom from vibration and simple means for control and easy restarting after a temporary stop. Some of the factors which militate against its use are a limited number of makes to select from, attention and time required to get the vehicle started after a stop of some moment, close attention required to steam, air, water, and other indicators, and on cold or damp days a visible exhaust due to the condensation of the used steam discharged from the engine.
The electric car has many good features, and it is widely used for both pleasure and business purposes wherever proper charging facilities are available. It is quiet, clean, easily started and controlled, runs with no appreciable vibration, and has very simple and efficient gearing. The disadvantages, however, counterbalance the good points. Such vehicles are expensive to operate, owing to the great weight to be driven. Their touring radius is limited, the average being from twenty to fifty miles per charge of batteries. Other factors are the great weight to horse power ratio due to the use of storage batteries; the time taken to recharge; the liability of batteries to injury, a high initial and maintenance cost and slow speed. It is apparent that its chief field of activity would be in towns or cities, delivering merchandise, making professional or social calls, attending theaters, shopping, and other strictly urban work. Obviously, it cannot be used for touring purposes, but where cost is not an all-important element one will find the electric automobile entirely suitable and practical for all town work.
The writer believes that neither the steam nor electric automobile is of sufficient moment at the present time, when compared to the number of gasoline automobiles in use, to warrant an extended discussion of their construction or operation. In the present volume the space which in contemporary works is usually devoted to these types will be utilized in a practical discussion of items which are usually neglected, such as gas engine operation, maintenance and repair; hints relating to tire restoration or manipulation and an exposition of the latest and most suitable accessories which conduce to greater safety or comfort while motoring.
The omission of the historical matter which usually prefaces a work of this character may be criticized as well as the elimination of many machine details that are commonly presented chiefly because of their value in showing progress made. As the science of automobile engineering has reached that point where radical departures from the conventional or standard construction are not considered with favor, it is safe to assume that the era of standardization and stability of design is at hand. Many changes have been made in the past in basic design of vehicles or their components, and many parts formerly thought essential can be dispensed with. As an example of the discarding of designs which gave promise of being permanent, one may mention the practical elimination of the high-wheeled or buggy-type automobile, which are now almost entirely off the market.
One-, two-, and three-cylinder four-cycle engines and those of the compound form or having horizontal cylinders have been displaced by the modern four and six vertical cylinder forms, the former being used even in the cheapest types which formerly utilized one or two cylinder power plants. Simple air-cooling systems are seldom used, and angle iron or wood frames which were supplied on many pleasure cars are now used solely on heavy commercial vehicles and pressed steel frames are now almost universally used in pleasure cars. Plain bearings, used in the past in gear sets and axles, have been replaced by anti-friction members. Lever, tiller or rack and pinion steering gears are seldom used now, irreversible wheel types are employed on nearly all classes of cars except some electric runabouts. The single chain drive is seldom seen, while the double chain system of power transmission which had wide application in pleasure cars has been succeeded by more efficient driving systems and is used only in heavy commercial car work by modern engineers.
Low tension ignition and the use of batteries for electric current production are found only on old type cars. All modern vehicles include mechanical generators of electricity such as the magneto, or dynamo. Two-cycle engines are not widely used except in marine applications. Short stroke high-speed motors have been replaced by the more efficient and enduring modern moderate speed forms. Expanding band clutches which had a number of advocates in the past are seldom used at the present time. But few makers use planetary or individual clutch transmissions, and two speed gearsets are seldom seen except when an epicyclic change speed gear is fitted.
The progressive sliding gear type is passe, and the friction transmissions which were formerly employed in many forms are now utilized only in the simplest design on a few cars. It was formerly considered good practice to use engines fitted with automatic speed governors as automobile power plants, but governed engines are now found mainly on motor trucks. Wick, surface, drip, bubbling, film or generator valve type carburetors or vaporizers have been entirely replaced by the float feed spraying type. Among some of the other
features of construction which are in decline may be mentioned tubular front axles, semi-elliptic rear springs or long side springs and driving axles without torque or radius members.
On the other hand, during the past year there have been a number of innovations which merit detailed description because they are found on many automobiles of late models. Other works dealing with automobile construction published in the past, make no reference to these improvements owing to their recent development. Among these may be mentioned torpedo and other symmetrical body forms designed to overcome air resistance ; sleeve valve motors, a general adoption of the selective sliding gearset in the three and four speed forms, the adoption of shaft and bevel gear drive on even the heaviest pleasure vehicles, the increasing tendency to favor worm gear power transmission, the universal application of magneto ignition and development of electric lighting systems.
There is also more consideration of left hand control, growing use of unit power plants, wider application of block motors and two bearing crank shafts, and a better appreciation of the advantages of the underslung chassis. The I-beam section front axle is almost universally used, and there is marked improvement in multiple disc clutches, wider application of practical self-starters, and more general adoption of ball and roller bearings at all points. The use of long stroke motors, offset cylinders and automatic lubrication systems make for pronounced increase in automobile efficiency. There is also an augmenting tendency to place "change speed gearing on the rear axle, toward the use of three-quarter springs for rear suspension, supplying larger wheels and tires as well as quick detachable wheels and rims. Some of the foreign tendencies which may influence domestic design are a return to wire wheels by some of the leading European engineers; the application of silent chains for valve operation, in change speed gearing and even final drive and use of front wheel brakes.
In addition to these final improvements may be added a better realization of the advantages of alloy steels, a universal tendency to weight reduction, and increase of power to weight ratio. The floating rear axle has almost entirely displaced the simpler form and marked improvement is noticed in carburetor construction owing to changes in grade of fuel now supplied which impelled the development of multiple jet and compensating vaporizer forms. Many novel and practical accessories have also been developed.
In order to make this work wide in scope, not only will principles of construction and operation be discussed comprehensively, but many examples from contemporary foreign and domestic practice will be given to amplify the subject and increase the reader's opportunity for the acquirement .of a practical motoring education. The illustrations have been carefully prepared, and for the most part the cuts detailing construction of the various components are reproduced or adapted from actual working drawings and thus are true outline representations of the objects described. As previously stated, it is believed that a concentration of effort in treating exclusively of vehicles propelled by internal combustion motors will make this treatise one of more practical value to the majority of motorists than any heretofore published.
The repair hints and suggestions given for maintenance and equipment are based on a wide practical experience which dates since the inception of the industry as a designer, repairer, and operator of motor vehicles, and should be of exceptional value to those who have not had an opportunity to become familiar with automobiles but who can apply the experience of others to good advantage.
DOWNLOAD FREE AUTOMOTIVE BOOK:
The modern gasoline automobile
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