ENGINE COMES TO A STOP
If the engine stops suddenly, the fault will be found in the accidental opening of the switch, or the breaking of a wire or connection. An abrupt stop cannot be caused by anything but an interruption of the ignition circuit, for the cessation of the gasoline feed will bring the engine to a stop slowly, the gasoline in the float chamber and spray nozzle being sufficient to permit weakened explosions before the supply entirely fails. A slow stopping of the engine from causes other than those previously mentioned may be laid to defective gasoline feed, the emptying of the tank, the clogging of the supply pipe, float valve, or spray nozzle, or the closing of the supply cock from jolts and vibrations.
If the engine comes to a stop when there appears to be no fault with the explosions, the cooling or lubricating systems may be at fault, resulting in the heating of the cylinder to such an extent that the piston sticks or seizes. Excessive heat is proof of this, the burning or “frying” of excess oil on the outside of the cylinder being an early warning. A seized piston may be freed by injecting kerosene into the cylinder, and cranking, the cylinder first being given time to cool.