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CHAPTER VII
THE PETROL ENGINE
By R. J. Mecredy, Editor of the 'Motor News'
Every motor-car owner, whether he can afford to keep a mechanic or not, should make a point of studying and thoroughly understanding his engine. It is not merely that this will save him trouble and emancipate him from the tyranny of the skilled mechanic, but it will very materially increase his pleasure in the pastime, for the study of the engine affords almost as keen enjoyment as the actual driving.
The man who is uninitiated is likely to regard with despair the prospect of ever being able to understand the apparently complex machinery which propels his car. In reality it is exceedingly simple. Very little study will enable him thoroughly to grasp its principles, and after that the rest is merely a matter of common sense. When he has once learned how the engine works, and wherein it is likely to fail, he will quickly diagnose troubles which would otherwise prove insurmountable.
Of course, if one can afford it, it is desirable to keep a skilled mechanic, but it is an enormous advantage to feel that one is independent of his services, and cannot be 'taken in,' as is the ignorant novice. A mechanic, however, is by no means necessary—an ordinary handy man can quickly be taught to clean and lubricate, to keep the working parts thoroughly adjusted, and even to diagnose the ordinary roadside troubles which are bound to occur. From this it will be seen that it is almost essential for every motorist to know something of his car; and the purpose of this
