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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1921 Excerpt:...lever positions. With this knowledge you will be able to retard the spark before the engine knocks. And when you can keep the spark position just below that point where the engine tends to knock, then only can you expect efficiency. Correct manipulation of the spark lever under these conditions will carry you over hills which you could never negotiate were you to wait for the knock of the engine to retard the spark. Another fallacy which seems general is that regarding the use of heavy and light lubricating oils in the engine. The owner finds that his engine is carbonizing faster than it should, or faster than it did when he first purchased the machine. He assumes that the cylinders have become worn to such an extent that the lubricant leaks past the rings and causes the trouble. His wouldbe friends advise him to use a heavier grade of oil and he does so but the carbon trouble seems to increase. He jumps to the conclusion that a still heavier oil is needed and is not discouraged until some bright day the bearings burn out and the engine needs a full overhauling. The Heavy Oil Fallacy Heavy oil is not always a cure for carbonization, on the contrary it contains more carbon, that's one reason why it is heavier. Heavy oil tends to gum the rings and aggravate the troubles which the owner is seeking to cure. If the oil is too heavy for the lubricating system it eventually fills up the oil channels and grooves and the parts do not receive lubricant. It may be said that such a remedy is worse than the disease. Oil, heavy or light, cannot be used to replace the metal worn away from the rings or cylinders through friction. If, upon trial, a slightly heavier oil, than usual, does not reduce carbonization then the owner should not continue along that line of reasoning...