After the oil is drained out, a half gallon or so of kerosene should be poured into the sump and the engine run for about one minute or less, the idea being to get a complete circulation of kerosene through the lubricating system. The kerosene should then be drained off and the splash pans under the connecting rods be wiped out if possible. The screen of the oil pump also should be removed and washed carefully in kerosene and replaced. Then the sump should be filled to the proper level with fresh oil.
Aside from getting under the car to remove the drain plug, this is not a dirty job. Still one would better put on old clothes and overalls to prevent the possibility of getting grease on a perfectly good suit.
While oil is expensive, it is poor economy to use it beyond its useful stage, because damage may be done to the machinery which will cost much more than a year’s supply of good oil.
CHAPTER VII
WHERE LUBRICATION IS NEGLECTED
In some of the minor and oftentimes hidden parts of an automobile are found frequent sources of trouble. There are places to be lubricated of which many an auto owner has no knowledge. They wear slowly but constantly, and unless given proper attention will erelong give trouble.
There are a number of these lesser bearings which tell the expert whether the car has had proper care. In fact, in looking over a used car the man who knows naturally turns to these first to find out how well the car has been taken care of. Experience shows that even where other parts show normal, or practically no wear, these lesser bearings show absolute neglect, and these are “the little foxes that spoil the vineyards” in the auto world.
Practically every owner will fill up the oiler to insure engine lubrication, because that is a regular task; most men will remember to keep oil in the transmission case and the differential housing; probably a lesser number will put grease in the wheel bearings when needed. As the latter is not required very often, it is frequently forgotten.
What are the neglected parts? Well, when the expert looks into the condition of a car, one of the first places he inspects for wear is at the steering knuckles. One must realize that they are under a pretty heavy load, and that, while the motion is not great, there is a continual motion there, even when the car is driving straight ahead. Very few have learned that it needs a constant supply of good, heavy grease to prevent wear at this point. It is worth while to screw down on the grease cups on the steering knuckles every time oil is put in the engine. When the grease cup is screwed down so that it cannot be turned further, it should be filled immediately. There should be enough grease there to keep forcing it out, so that grit cannot get into the bearing.
Underneath the floor boards there are a number of parts which need attention, but being out of sight they are often out of mind. They are a little inconvenient to get at, also. Under there we have the universal joint. This is another joint in which the motion is not great, but the load is heavy and continuous. That is the next place that usually shows hard wear. There are one or two modern designs which have housings covering this joint which may be filled with heavy oil and it then takes care of itself for a month. It should be inspected and the oil replaced once a month.
Certain universal joints, not generally used, however, are supplied with grease cups, which need attention every time the car is used, just as much as the oiler in the engine.