Are the connecting rod bolts interchangeable on the Ariel Square 4?

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ann-marie.scott
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Are the connecting rod bolts interchangeable on the Ariel Square 4?

Post by ann-marie.scott »

I'm in the process of restoring a 1958 Ariel Square Four that was dissembled in 1978. I'm having a problem with the connecting rod bolts, part number 1096-48 and part number k13848. When I installed new connecting rod Bolt 109648 the rod bolts hit the front of the right hand crankcase. The rods are original, and have been resized.

Has anyone run into this situation before?
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Re: Are the connecting rod bolts interchangeable on the Ariel Square 4?

Post by Roger Gwynn »

The original bolts do run close to the case and the replacements may be a little longer, remove a little metal from the case or the ends of the bolts. I assume this is happening with pistons and cylinder fitted because without the rods will end up in a different position within the case, causing your problem.
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ann-marie.scott
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Re: Are the connecting rod bolts interchangeable on the Ariel Square 4?

Post by ann-marie.scott »

People have run into this before? Is there a measurement that is known? It was a tad discouraging assembling the whole bottom end and not have it rotate 360 degrees!
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Re: Are the connecting rod bolts interchangeable on the Ariel Square 4?

Post by JohnnyBeckett »

hi i always grind a little bit out of the casing before i start rebuilding it and then i know it will not catch
ann-marie.scott
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Re: Are the connecting rod bolts interchangeable on the Ariel Square 4?

Post by ann-marie.scott »

How much do you grind? On both front cases?
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Re: Are the connecting rod bolts interchangeable on the Ariel Square 4?

Post by Mick D »

Hi

If the issue didn't exist before changing the bolts then the cause is most likely the bolts or incorrect assembly. The last thing I'd be doing is adjusting the crank cases to fit - adjust the components which are the cause, if the assembly is correct make the bolts identical to those removed.

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Re: Are the connecting rod bolts interchangeable on the Ariel Square 4?

Post by JohnnyBeckett »

hi the last time i done a rebuild i think i took out about 3mm but i think it depends where the bolts come from
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Re: Are the connecting rod bolts interchangeable on the Ariel Square 4?

Post by ann-marie.scott »

The bolts are new old stock with castleated nuts. Unfortunately, I have only found six bolts. They came under part number 1096-48. Nuts were sn3. Is the small steel washer under the nut used on all the square fours?
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Re: Are the connecting rod bolts interchangeable on the Ariel Square 4?

Post by paul.jameson »

You are assembling with the head of the bolt in the big end cap and the nut in the con-rod, aren't you?
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