Currently the engine is sitting on a shelf waiting attention. As I know it will be the biggest sink for my budget, I am delaying the inevitable a bit by waiting.
Aside from rings, bearings and general service, I am hoping that there will be no surprises once inside. Cosmetically, there are several damaged fins on the engine that will need to be repaired.
The Ariel club of USA manufactures new con rods for this engine. They are high quality albeit eye watering expensive. Knowing that the rods that are in there are 60 years old, I know that they will be something that will be worth getting for peace of mind.
Likewise, Morgo in the UK makes a high-volume aftermarket oil pump for this engine. That is also on the wish list.
Hi Greg
Agree with the idea of replacing the conrods. Several years ago my Norton 650ss threw a rod and trashed the crank cases. I bought some new rods from the company below and I didn’t have to remortgage the house. They don’t list Ariel rods but they do specials for a reasonable price
Regards Pete
http://www.thunderengineering.co.uk/products
Thanks for the links Pete. They make some really nice looking gear. Square Four crankcases are made from “unobtainium”. I would be devastated if I ended up wrecking them for the sake if a new set of rods.
Your welcome, these rods are used for racing in the U.K. so are bullet proof. I have bought a set for the 650ss and a T120r bonny I am doing at the moment after that I have a 1947 4G with a cast iron head that will get the same attention and maybe even a morgo oil pump. Good luck with your restoration
Regards
Pete
Hi Greg,
Before you start pulling the engine to bits put an order in with Draganfly for a puller for the drive side crank shaft gears, this also doubles up as a press to refit the gears. You will need a small puller for the timing side gears as well.
Drags do a kit with all the taps and dies to suit a sq4 which I found very handy when I restored my 1950 mk1 sq4 so I’d get one of those as well.
I replaced a lot of nuts and bolts with stainless steel items on my bike which I got from Acme Stainless Steel at http://www.acmestainless.co.uk/Ariel.asp its worth having a look at this site.
Regards Roger
Perth, WA
Thanks for your email Roger. I pulled this motor down many years ago and a fitter mate at the time made me the drive pullers. Good to know about the tap/die kits and also the stainless bolts. They will both be useful.
Regards,
Greg