A boy's text book on gas engines

by Fay Leone Faurote

PREFACE

Knowing that the motor car is fast becoming the modern form of transportation, both in the social and commercial world, and feeling that the principles of the mechanism which constitutes its propelling power are as yet somewhat of a mystery to the average individual and to “Young America” in particular, the author feels that some of the simple explanations offered in the following pages of this book will be welcomed and appreciated. While they do not cover the entire subject, it is hoped that they may tend to shed some light, and in a way make understandable the construction and operation of the automobile gas engine.

FAY L FAUROTE.

November 25, 1907.

A Four-cylinder Motor, so sectioned that it shows interior of cylinder, valves, piston, crank shaft and connecting rods.

A BOY’S TEXT BOOK
ON GAS ENGINES

INTRODUCTION

Boys, when I was a small boy, I remember how much I was interested in everything which was mechanical. The engineer was my hero; the solving of the mysteries of an engine and the learning how to drive one, was my ambition.

I remember well how I tried to read the dry, technical description of motors, steam engines and such things. I remember, too, how hard it was to understand those books; how the various technical terms used to bother me, until at last, in despair, I would throw the books aside. It seemed as if the men who wrote them never realized that boys existed,—that boys wanted to know about such things.

At other times how glad I was when I found a good-hearted engineer who seemed to know and understand my feelings and my desire to learn. How easy it was to comprehend his explanations, because he used homely, everyday things to illustrate his meaning. He made you forget there was anything complicated about machinery. He simply took up one part at a time, and when he had finished with it, everything was as plain as the nose on your face.

Boys, then and there I decided that if I ever did understand some of these seeming mysteries of engineering, I would write a book that boys could understand. I would write it so that they couldn’t help it, it would be so plain; there would be no secrets; they should know all about it, and what is more, should be able to reason it all out for themselves.

Fig. 1—The Essential Parts of a Gas Engine.

Let me tell you about each part separately. After we have gone over each part you will find that you will understand the action of the motor and other parts of the car well enough so that you will unconsciously reason it all out for yourselves. Some of the descriptions and explanations may at first seem unsatisfactory, but I think with a little thought and study you will be able to master them in a short time. I want your confidence, boys, and then I know we will get along all right together.

Fig. 2—A Single-cylinder Horizontal Engine. Note location of valves in this type.

Suction Stroke Compression Stroke Working Stroke Exhaust Stroke

Fig. 3—Four views of a section of a Vertical Cylinder, showing position of valves, pistons and cams for the four different strokes.