Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 89.djvu/126

 How to Run a Motor-Boat

��WHEN starting the motor, close any auxiliary air valves and hold the hand over the air inlet of the carburetor so as to draw in a richer mix- ture, otherwise the mixture may be too weak to start the motor. If the mixture seems to be rich enough, the engine may start off if a little lubricating oil is let into the cylinder which will make the compression better. Irregular firing usually comes from carburetor and spark troubles. Drain the carburetor and if this does not seem to remedy the trouble investigate the electrical apparatus. Clean the spark-plug and see that the gap is right; the thickness of the thumb nail is a good gage. Too large a spark is apt to be wiry and quickly exhausts the battery. The vibrators of the coils should not be set too loosely in the hopes of saving current, but should be set to produce a sharp, clear spark. They do not need to be too tight.

When a two-cycle motor fourcycles, that is, fires on every other revolution, the gas is too rich and should be cut down at the needle-valve until an even cycle takes hold. Weak explosions and backfires through the carburetor indicate

��that the mixture is too weak and should be increased. If an engine runs steadily but seems weak the trouble may be in loss of compression, poor lubrication, poor design, or parts out of alinement, carbon or clogged outlets and gas pas- sages. Sudden stopping is usually due to a broken electrical connection; while slowing up and stopping is caused by lack of gasoline or clogged feed line; engine too hot or poor lubrication. Over- heating of the engine is usually caused by a lack of lubrication or poor circula- tion of cooling water. The pump should be examined and if working badly should be repacked and oiled.

Boating is about the only sport or business in which there is so much courtesy. A helping hand is always given if need be and you always seem to be expected to salute any passing boat.

When steering in a fog without a compass it is nearly impossible to main- tain a straight course. Take a long line with a float tied to one end and let it drag over the stern. The line will drag directly behind when >ou are steering a straight course and will swing sideways when the boat swings away.

��Prize Winners of Sam Loyd's Puzzles

��, For April

The honor prize of $5 is awarded to: John J. Furia, Hamilton Hall, Columbia University, New York City.

The ten $1 prizes are awarded to the fol- lowing solvers:

Edward Hillery, Sherrard, 111. W. H. Fitzgerald, 87 6th Street, Pelham, N. Y. A. M. Stimpson, 163 Hemenway Street,

Boston, Mass. William S. La Londe, Jr., 1354 Asbury

Avenue, Evanston, 111. R. T. Huntley, 1136 Center Street. Newton

Centre, Mass. A. Prescott Barker, 13 Arlington Street,

Lynn, Mass. Fred A. Tracey, 37 White Street, Mt. Holly,

N. J. L. M. Merrill, Glendale, Ohio. Edward Norton, 26 Grove Street, Rockland,

Me. Francis E. Stanley, Newton, Mass.

��For May

The honor prize of $5 is awarded to: L. F. Woodruff, 22 Cherry Street, Atlanta, Ga.

The ten $1 prizes are awarded to the fol- lowing solvers:

Fred. Ausehurtz, Oak Lawn, 111.

Harry Pence, 2723 Euclid Avenue, Cincin- nati, Ohio.

S. V. Halsey, Lee, Mass.

Homer Calkins, Dallas, Oregon.

E. Elwert, Route 2, Conshohocken, Pa.

Frederick G. Dilger, Overlook Hospital, Sum- mit, N. J.

Charles W. Zaring, Hay Island, Gananoque, Ontario. Canada.

August Kuehn, 726 Proctor Street. Port Arthur, Texas.

Wallace C. Harding, Randolph, Mass.

O. E. Cote, 184 Harrison Street, Pawtucket, R. I.

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