Cadillac V-63 1923 Operator's Manual page 16

24
OPERATION
It is a good plan to draw out a sample of the solution occasionally and
to test its specific gravity with a hydrometer graduated between the limits
of the above table.
Before filling the cooling system with anti-freezing solution, the condenser
should be drained by removing the plug "R", Fig. 22. If water is left in
the condenser at this time, it may freeze before enough alcohol passes over
from the radiator to lower its freezing temperature.
The capacity of the cooling system is five and one-quarter gallons. The
condenser should contain an additional three quarts, making a total of six
gallons.
Caution—Do not use water alone in the cooling system during freezing weather.
Use a good anti-freezing solution. Water will freeze even though the engine
be run continuously.
ADDITIONAL COLD WEATHER SUGGESTIONS
Starting in Intermediate or High Gear
Starting in intermediate or high gear should not be done at any time,
but this is particularly unfair to a cold engine, as it necessitates a further
opening of the throttle than is necessary when starting on low gear, with
the probability of a "pop back" in the carburetor.
Cold Test of Engine Oil
Use oil having a low cold test. In other words, use oil which flows freely
at low temperature. (See under "Lubricants," page 31.)
Frequent Changing of Oil
"Water and gasoline may accumulate in the crank case of the engine
during cold weather. It is necessary, therefore, to drain the oil frequently
and replace it. (See under "Replace Engine Oil Frequently During Cold
Weather," page 34.) If water and gasoline are permitted to accumulate in
the crank case, serious damage to the engine may result.
OPERATION
25
Strainers in Gasoline System
It may be found necessary to remove the strainers in the gasoline line
more frequently during cold weather in order to prevent an accumulation
of water at these points which would freeze and prevent the gasoline from
flowing to the carburetor. (See under "Settling Chambers and Strainers,"
page 50.)
OPERATION OF ENGINE
General Principle
The production of power by the engine may be described briefly as follows:
Gasoline is forced by air pressure from the tank to the carburetor. At
the carburetor the gasoline is mixed with air in the proper proportion,
forming an explosive vapor or gas. The gas is drawn through the intake
manifold and inlet valves into the cylinders of the engine, where it is com-
pressed and ignited by electric sparks, the pressure of the resulting explosions
producing the power.
The quantity of gas supplied to the engine is regulated by a throttle
valve at the carburetor which is operated by means of the throttle lever
at the steering wheel or by the accelerator button at the right of the brake
pedal.
Four'Cycle Engine
The engine is of the four-cycle type, that is, there are four movements
or strokes of each piston and two revolutions of the flywheel to complete
each power producing stroke. The four strokes of the cycle each have a
different function and follow one another in the same order as follows:
Suction Stroke. The suction stroke commences with the piston at its
highest point in the cylinder and with the inlet and exhaust valves closed.
Immediately the piston starts to descend the inlet valve opens and through
this valve a charge of gas from the carburetor is drawn into the space above
the piston.
Compression Stroke. As the piston starts upward again after completing
the suction stroke, the inlet valve closes. As there is then no escape for the
gas in the cylinder, it is compressed, the maximum compression being reached
when the piston is at the top of its stroke.
Power Stroke. At the completion of the compression stroke, the spark
takes place at the spark plug, igniting the compressed charge of gas. The
heat resulting from the rapid combustion causes the pressure of the con-
fined gas to rise almost instantaneously to several times its pressure