Ariel Owners Motorcycle Club

The later ones have the wide followers and single cams which don't wear as much since they have more area to carry the valve spring load. The cam and follower faces are the highest loaded part in the motor and why the oil needs friction modifiers or you'll see all the bits of metal in the oil. I'm inclined to think the valve spring pressures on the VH is too high, unless you are racing. You can fine tune the double cam type cam profile better and the followers are lighter.. The Pin the followers move on has to be a good fit or you'll get noise and things moving the way they shouldn't. The inner bush wears side to side, not up and down. Nev

Nev,
Many thanks for the information. I was lucky to find that a member of the forum had a single lobe cam and followers for sale. As you suggest I will check the wear in the in the pin bush.
On a related topic, how can I identify if the barrel should be the enclosed push rod type? I have no barrel and I am not sure if you can tell from the engine casing. The engine is a '56 NH but I believe that was the year they changed to enclosed push rod barrel so it is 'on the cusp' so to speak.
Dennis

If the crankcases have 4 studs for the barrel it is open push rod type. If they have 5 studs it is enclosed push rod type.

Paul,
Many thanks for the information- very helpful.
Dennis

Good evening Dennis,
I'm taking the liberty of contacting you as I have some Ariel 350 NH parts, specifically one or two camshafts with sprockets.
They are in average condition but would you be interested in buying them?
I live in Normandy in France.
I was helped by club members at the beginning of 2023, so now it's my turn to try and help.
Best regards.
Christian

Chris,
That is very kind of you but I now have a cam and followers from someone in the AOMC.
I am looking for a barrel and head and a clutch.
Regards,
Dennis

PM send

Vincent,
I have replied to your PM.
Dennis