The first puzzle is that low compression figure. It won’t start until you get it closer to 100 psi But what technique are you using to take the measurement? The reading should be cumulative so, with the throttle open, continue kicking it over until the pressure no longer rises before taking a measur...

Am I right in assuming you’re trying to fit stepped rings to ‘original’ Ariel pistons? I hadn’t thought about it before but guess it’s an option if the thickness matched the groove exactly If this is the case, as already suggested, why wouldn’t you remove some of the step from the ring rather than a...

Using the small end location to strip the crank can carry the risk of elongating the small end journal. It all depends how much torque is required to release the screw and then how much is needed to then break the taper lock (this is usually the highest load) I’ve experienced ibis to be in the range...

Hello Clive. Glad you’re making progress in the hunt for your problem. If you have some excess crank run-out, you’ll need to rotate the engine whilst under pressure to see if there is any additional pressure drop as it turns? When I did the same test, not because I had an engine problem but out of c...

Hi Clive
Let us know what you find when you get there

Hi Stu Cylinder pressure that low will make it very difficult, if not impossible to start the engine. What I don’t understand is, if it was fine when you got it, why you would suspect the bottom end needs to be rebuilt? Also, I very seriously doubt that any deterioration in the crankcase would cause...

The original Armstrong drawing says 96 lbs/in

Let us know what you find and how it goes.
Do you have the service tools needed.
Where in the country are you?

How easily does it start? If it is the crank seals I would expect that to be a problem.

If you plug the the barrel exhaust ports, remove the carb and plug the inlet, you can pressurise the case and check for leaks but it will only check the outer seals. There is no way of testing the centre seal.

Thanks for the update Trevor, please let me know if you if you ever get a reply from Hagon