The “running-in” process is the most important period in the life of the engine, and
the handling it receives during the first 1,000 to 1,500 miles will determine the
service which it will provide in return.
Running-in should commence at
⅓
to ½ throttle and the throttle opening should be
progressively increased as the mileage builds up, until at the end of the running-in
period full throttle can be employed.
If excessive speeds are used in the early stases, there is risk of seizure and other
troubles and in any case until the machine has been properly run-in it cannot be
expected to give its best performance.
Smooth throttle control and selection of the correct gear for the prevailing
conditions will ease the work of the engine. In particular avoid violent acceleration,
and do not allow the engine to labour on hills in high gear when a change to a lower
gear would ease the load. This ensures that all parts of the machine are properly run-
in and are quite free.
Carry out the periodical maintenance details described later with faithful regularity.
After the first 250 miles (400 km.), remove the smaller of the two screwed plugs
from the bottom of the crankcase and drain out any oil which may have accumulated
there. With the petroil lubrication system employed there is never a considerable
quantity of liquid oil in the crankcase, but whatever oil there is should be drained
away, and this is preferably done while the engine is warm immediately after a run,
as the oil will flow more freely and carry with it any foreign matter which may have
found its way into the crankcase during the running-in process.
Make certain on replacing the plug that it is made really tight in order to prevent
loss of crankcase compression.
During the running-in period the gearbox should also be drained and flushed out
and this is preferably done at the same time as the crankcase is drained. Information
regarding the correct grades of oil is given in the table on page 22.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
To keep the machine in good condition and provide trouble-free running,
maintenance must be regularly carried out. The following list of items requiring
regular attention will serve as a guide to the periods between servicing and the
method of carrying out the various adjustments will be found under the appropriate
headings in the later chapters.
Obviously regular and thorough cleaning will keep the machine looking smart and
will help to retain both its new appearance and value. But it helps also to lengthen its
life and maintain efficiency if the cleaning process is carried out correctly.
Take special care to prevent dust and grit from working into such parts as hubs,
carburetter, brakes and gearbox.
To rub dry and caked mud from the frame, tank and mudguards means that the
enamel on these parts will be subjected to an abrasive action which will quickly
destroy the polish. Soak the mud first, and then float it off with copious supplies of
clean water supplied either with a hose or a sponge. If a hose is used, take care not to
direct the stream of water directly on to the hub bearings, and carburetter.
When all dirt is removed, dry and polish. Autobrite is recommended for this
purpose.
The engine and gearbox are best cleaned with a brush and paraffin, and then dried
off with a clean rag.
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