Motor Road Transport For Commercial Purposes
(Liquid Fuel, Steam, Electricity)

156 MOTOR ROAD TRANSPORT draining the engine-base and gear-box, washing out, and replenishing from time to time. The gear-box does not, of course, require this attention very often, but it is surprising what an amount of “ deposit ” will be found after some months of hard work. This gets churned up, and mixing with the whole is greatly destructive of bearing surfaces. In the engine itself, the matter is of even greater importance. Small quantities of fresh oil are always being added to the old, and the impression often exists that that is sufficient for good lubrication. The writer has known cases where engines have been run for a year without the oil in the base chamber being changed. The State of the bearings at the end of that time was deplorable. The principal part of the oil had long since lost its body, with the consequence that it had little resistance to offer in the form of cushioning. Pump and sump filters should be kept clean at all costs, for if not, the oil supply to the various parts may be decreased. With regard to the general lubrication of any machinery, it should be remembered that “ little and often ” is the golden rule. Shed-Day. The need of keeping a commercial motor vehicle in good mechanical order is obviously great, for if this be not done, reliability, the essence of successful haulage, will not be obtained. The annual cost of maintenance with regard to the mechanism may vary widely, and for this reason it is essential for traders who possess motor vans or lorries to adopt a good system of garage organization. The practice of running a van to destruction may pay under certain exceptional circumstances, and