Excerpt from Ignition, Timing and Valve A Comprehensive; Illustrated Manual of Self-Instruction for Automobile Owners, Operators, Repairmen, and All Interested in Motoring Many of the troubles from which motorists have suffered in the past - and still suffer, in fact, despite recent improvements in construction of all the essential parts of the automobile - have arisen from failure of the ignition system to perform its proper function. While these troubles may perhaps be minimized in-the latest model cars, there are still in daily use in the United States and Canada many thousands of machines built and equipped in the days of motor-car development, and to every owner and operator, no matter whether his car be new or old, the subject of ignition is of the utmost importance. To know what to do in case of ignition troubles, it is imperative to learn something definite about the principles of the ignition system used on the car. Intelligent handling of the car in emergencies can only be assured when the operator possesses such information. It will not pay to "go it blind" in seeking the causes of ignition failure. When the engine stops or misbehaves from such causes knowledge is indeed "power." The object of this treatise is to equip the reader with such a knowledge of the interesting subject of Ignition that he will be able to handle his own particular apparatus with intelligence and skill. The mere consciousness that he understands the principles and construction of his ignition devices will add immensely to his comfort on the road, giving him greater confidence in himself as a driver and stripping the ignition bogey of most of its terrors.
