Q. How about the oiling system?
A. Upon receipt of the car see that a supply of medium light high-grade gas engine oil is poured into the crank case through the breather pipe at the front of the engine (a metal cap covers it). Down under the car in the flywheel casing (the reservoir which holds the oil) you will find two pet cocks. Pour oil in slowly until it runs out of the upper cock. Leave the cock open until it stops running, then close it. After the engine has become thoroughly warmed up, the best results will be obtained by carrying the oil at a level midway between the two cocks, but under no circumstances should it be allowed to get below the lower cock. All other parts of the car are properly oiled when it leaves the factory. However, it will be well to see that all grease cups are filled and that oil is supplied to the necessary parts. (See chapter on [Lubrication].)
Q. How are spark and throttle levers used?
A. Under the steering wheel are two small levers. The right hand (throttle) lever controls the amount of mixture (gasoline and air) which goes into the engine. When the engine is in operation, the farther the lever is moved downward toward the driver (referred to as “opening the throttle”) the faster the engine runs and the greater the power furnished. The left hand lever controls the spark which ignites the gas in the cylinders of the engine. The advancing of this lever “advances the spark,” and it should be moved down notch by notch until the motor seems to reach its maximum speed. If the lever is advanced beyond this point a dull knock will be heard in the engine. (See chapter on [Ignition].)
Q. Where should these levers be when the engine is ready to crank?
A. The spark lever should usually be put in about the third or fourth notch of the quadrant (the notched half circle on which the levers operate). The throttle should usually be opened five or six notches. A little experience will soon teach you where these levers should be placed for proper starting. Care should be taken not to advance the spark lever too far as the engine may “back-kick.”
Q. What else is necessary before cranking the engine?
A. First, see that the hand lever that comes up through the floor of the car at the left of the driver, is pulled back as far as it will go. The lever in this position holds the clutch in neutral and engages the hub brake, thus preventing the car from moving forward when the engine is started. Second, after inserting the switch key in the switch on the coil box, throw the switch lever as far to the left as it will go, to the point marked “magneto.” This switch connects the magneto to the engine. The engine cannot be started until it is on; and the throwing off of the switch stops the engine. The next step is to crank the engine.
Q. How is the engine cranked?
A. By the lifting of the starting crank at the front of the car. Take hold of the handle and push it toward the car until you feel the crank ratchets engage, then lift upward with a quick swing. With a little experience this operation will become an easy matter. Do not as a usual thing crank downward against the compression, for then an early explosion may drive the handle vigorously backward. This does not mean, however, that it is advisable, when the car is hard to start, to occasionally “spin” the engine with the starting handle but be sure that the spark is retarded when spinning or cranking the engine against compression, otherwise a sudden back-fire may injure the arm of the operator. When the engine is cool it is advisable to prime the carburetor by pulling on the small wire at the lower left-hand side of the radiator while giving the engine two or three quarter turns with the starting handle.