Cadillac V-63 1923 Operator's Manual page 6

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THE USER'S RESPONSIBILITY
The information, advice and instruction contained in this Manual are
furnished because the user of a motor car needs them. But if the user fails
to heed the advice, the loss is not wholly his but partly ours as well.
A Cadillac car in the hands of an operator who will give it the reason-
able consideration to which it is entitled, and which every car requires, will
run as smoothly and as quietly as is possible for any motor car to run. No
car will give greater satisfaction nor will any car stand more abuse. But no
car can be expected to stand continued abuse without showing the results
of it sooner or later.
We are interested that Cadillac cars render unfailing service and satis-
faction. They are built for that purpose but the user must do his part after
the car comes into his possession. The Cadillac is capable of rendering the
best of service and directions are furnished which will guide the user toward
obtaining that service. But if he persists in ignoring these directions,
there is no one but himself upon whom he can rightfully place the responsi-
bility for difficulties which may result.
DRIVING AND CARING FOR A MOTOR CAR
Driving an automobile means more than simply starting, steering and
stopping. To drive an automobile properly requires an understanding of
the principles involved and the exercise of intelligence and judgment.
With well designed and correctly built automobiles, probably 95 per
cent of the so-called "troubles" are directly traceable to lack of lubrication,
abuse, carelessness, and a lack of an understanding of the principles in-
volved.
To begin with, the driver should study the construction of his car and
thoroughly acquaint himself with its mechanism, the functions of its various
parts and the "why" of everything connected with it. If he understands
these he is better able to realize why certain things must be done and why
certain other things must not be done, if he is to obtain the most satisfactory
results, the greatest efficiency and the greatest economy, together with dur-
ability and long life of the engine and car. Remember that the difference
between a comprehensive understanding of your car and the superficial
knowledge possessed by many drivers is the difference between having
"troubles" and not having them.
On the other hand is frequently found the user who is constantly tinker-
ing with his car when there is no necessity for it. Avoid both extremes. If,
after seeing that all parts are lubricated properly and that all bolts, nuts
and screws are tight, the car is running well, let it alone. Many users drive
their Cadillacs for months without finding an adjustment necessary. If ad-
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justment seems necessary and you are not sufficiently acquainted with the
construction of the car to know what adjustment is necessary or how to
make it, don't experiment but take the car to a Cadillac service station.
Service stations operated by Cadillac distributors and dealers display the
official sign illustrated on the cover of this Manual.
The most important thing in the care of an automobile is proper lubri-
cation. Part Two of this Manual gives detailed directions regarding lubri-
cation.
PLACING A NEW CAR IN RUNNING CONDITION
Before the cars are shipped, the fuel and cooling systems are drained.
When the car is received and before it is placed in use, the supply of gasoline
and water must be replenished. During freezing weather an anti-freezing
solution, should be used instead of water. (See under "Anti-Freezing
Solutions," page 23.)
The car should be lubricated thoroughly in accordance with directions
contained in this Manual. (See under "Lubrication," Part II.)
Filling the Cooling System
Fill the cooling system with water during warm weather and with a
suitable anti-freezing solution during freezing weather (see under "Anti-
Freezing Solutions," page 23.) To fill the cooling system proceed as follows:
Make sure that the cylinder drain plugs " E " , Fig. 22, are tightly in
place. Close the water pump drain valves "G". Turn the thermostat
control shaft " B " on each water pump so that the triangular indicator on
the end of the shaft points up. The shaft may be turned in either direction.
There is a drain plug " E " in each cylinder block and a drain valve "G"
and a thermostat control shaft " B " at each water pump. A special wrench
for the drain valves "G" and the thermostat control shafts " B " is included
in the tool equipment of the car.
Remove the radiator filler cap "A" and fill the cooling system to within
one inch of the top of the filler. Then pour three quarts additional into
the radiator filler to fill the condenser which is connected to the radiator
overflow pipe. The last two quarts must be added slowly.
Screw the radiator filler cap down tightly after replacing it. This is im-
portant because the operation of the radiator condenser depends upon a
tight joint at the radiator cap.