Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 91.djvu/292

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��Popular Science Monthly

��conveyed into the compression chamber through the medium of the spark plug; the water pump which forces the water through the water jacket and prevents the cylinder from overheating; the magneto, upon which the engine depends for its electrical energy while it is running, and the timer, or distributor, by means of which the spark occurs in the proper cylin- der at the proper time, advancing the spark and increasing the speed of the engine. The lubricating system is also of vital importance and should al- ways be kept in first class condition.

In connection with the power plant we may also mention the reverse gear which allows us to start the en- gine without causing the boat to move in either direction and which al- lows us to drive

the boat ahead or astern as we desire. The gasoline tank is also very important to the successful operation of a gasoline engine. The tank should preferably have a capacity of fifteen gallons, the actual size depending upon the amount of room which may be given to it, as well as on the cruising radius which it is desirable to maintain. On small boats these tanks are often flat and are situated under the forward deck, while on the larger craft they are cylindrical and are situated under the deck or amidships on each side where

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��they will be out of the way and where scuppers may be arranged to expel any leakage which may occur. Thi? will pre- vent the gasoline from getting into the bilge of the boat where the fumes may become ignited and cause serious damage. These tanks should preferably be made of copper and should be sweated and riveted together, although many of them are made of galvanized iron and merely soldered with a standing seam. The pipe from the tank to the car- buretor should be of lead, cop- per or block tin, and be coiled sufficiently to prevent the vi- bration of the vessel from breaking the pipe at its con- necting ends. It is also good practice to in- stall a strainer in the pipeline to prevent for- eign matter from entering the carburetor and clogging the needle valve. The proper location of the engine is generally decided by the type of boat in which it is to be used. For instance, in the "day cruiser" the engine is placed well forward so that the operator may sit in the bow of the boat and not only steer the craft, but handle the engine also, while in most of the other types of cruisers the engine is placed pretty nearly amidships so that the reverse gear lever is in the after cockpit where the operator usually stands when maneuvering the craft. One point should always be borne in mind, however, when installing the power plant, and that is to have the boat balance pretty well without a crew. To accomplish this result it is generally advisable to place the engine a little aft so that its weight will be an aid in keeping the propeller under water.

The reverse gear is gener- ally connected up, as shown in the illustration of the en- gine installation, the halves of This is a fair type of stern called the rounded transom. each coupling being secured

It is expensive to make but has a very neat appearance together by means of about

��The names and locations of the various parts of a mo- tor-boat should be memorized by the amateur boatman

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