Engine
timing
important

WHAT DO a rock band, a ball
team and your car's engine have in
common? Timing.

Timing in an automobile 2prine
is defined as the regulation of the
spark impulse so that the spark
occurs at the proper time for igni-
tion. It also refers to regulation of
a valve’s opening and closing.

Considering that each spark plug
in a V-8 engine fires 525 times per
minute at 88 kilometres per hour,
there is little margin for error.

If ignition takes place too soon
in the cycle — it is referred to as
too far advanced — the engine is
likely to knock or ping and may
run erratically.

When ignition occurs too late —
called retarded timing — the result
is likely to be stuggish perfor-
mance, excessive fuel consumption
and hard starting.

Incorrect timing is a common
condition.

On older vehicles’ ignition
systems with distributor and igni-
tion points, components wear and
periodic adjustments and replace-
ment are necessary.

Later model cars, with electronic
ignition systems, are less likely to
go out of timing.

Nevertheless, it is still important
to have it checked as part of a
tune-up or any other engine
diagnosis.

On many cars, the timing mech-
anism is driven by a rubber belt, as
opposed to a chain or gears as in
other vehicles.

This belt is subject to wear and
may have to be replaced after
about 95,000 kilometres.

A loose belt can cause loss of
power, backfiring and hard star-
ting if the engine runs at all.

While timing belts may last a
great deal longer than that, it is
wise to anticipate the possible need
for replacement as part of a tune-
up.

Change
the oil

From page 54

”

start of each season,’ says Bran-
cato. ‘‘For most private cars
operating around home, changing
motor oil four times a year pro-
vides safe and sure protection for a
car’s engine.’’

Brancato explains: ‘‘The rotor
oil doesn’t wear out from use. It
becomes overloaded with con-
taminants which prevent important
additives from doing their job.

“Seasonal oil changes allow
contaminants suspended in the oil
to be removed before they cause
engine damage."”

Also check to see what SAE
Grade your automaker recom-
mends.

Some popular motor oils, such
as 10W-30 are considered good
year-round oils, and they also im-
prove fuel economy with an ad-
ditive that reduces friction.

When temperatures fall below
-17°, oils such as SW-30 ure a
popular choice.

THE VOICE OF NORTH AND WEST VANCOUVER

§5 ~ Wednesday, October 26, 1988 - North Shore News

~ ANorth Sh

2 A carrier working 3 days per

ore News.
paper route can provide you ~ _
‘with the $$$ it takes to buy the
better things in life.

week on an average route can
earn $100.00 per month.

It’s easier than skateboarding.

We have immediate openings in West Vancouver.

Any reliable boy or girl between the ages 9 and 14 may earn extra cash
by doing a paper route. Please fill out this coupon and mall to:
North Shore. News
1139 Lonsdale Avenue
North Vancouver, B.C.
V7M 2H4

986-1337

DACS PREEE RAED

NAME

WE ORE SOA +

ADDRESS

PRIA

PHONE NO

SUNDA