Information needed for a 1928 black ariel

[Leejm]

Hi all , some may know I have just brought a 28 model E
. I'm fully award in the late 20's ariel changed things every five minutes. Like in 27 there was three different frames! My question is the 28 ohv motor .how much of it is inchangable with later engine parts ? And what are 28 only ? I would like to know what options I have when I came to do the motor . And where I can get parts that are 28 only. Cheers lee

[tony.barnett]

From memory, its all unique to 28 Lee. You can change cam and pinnion as a set but you'd need to modify the oil pump drive by sweating on an eccentric and removing the peg, so its not a straight swap by any means. Head and rockerbox are 28 only, crank cases might be similar to 27 but I'm betting the 27 was narrower, pushrod tubes and spectacle plate are unique to 28. Whether the crank from a later engine could be used I don't know. Timing cover is 28 only (I think...).

What is it you are looking for?

[Leejm]

I've not looked in the engine as yet tony , waiting on the reg and v5 before I take it too bits . I have no doubt there will be some horror stories in it . So I just wanted to how what I can change for other parts from a different engine if needed . Or where do I go for the 28 only parts .I know the lack ariel spares is not up and running so what's the options?

[tony.barnett]

The only option is to ask - here and on the FB page. And be patient. You'll find nowt at autojumbles these days. Using your contacts is the only way.

[Roger Gwynn]

There is another option, which is to download the 1926-30 parts book from the website, instant answer to all these questions and many more, watch out for errors though! Draganfly will have some spares, espcially the smaller items and Karol in Slovakia

[Karol Burger]

we have already sold out some parts, but we will still find or make something for the 1928 model.

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

A 1928 engine is unique.
If you take it to bits completely a wise move would be to swop the DS mainshaft for a '29 one.
The '29 DS mainshaft have a grease hole to lubricate the ESA.
Thats what the hole in the primairy chaincase is for.
'28 models (if you have the correct prim. chaincase cover) dont have a hole there.
It has a normal 350cc bigend. a more modern... ehhhh not 95 but 65 year old piston can be used.
OHV crankcase is the same as the SV '28 one but only for that year.
'28 SV crankcases seem to be slightly easier to find then OHV crankcases, I think most OHV motors where driven in to the ground.
(SV : 4 cylinderbase studs / OHV 5 studs.)
AOMCC still have repro OHV top ends once made by Ian Taylor (?) -maybe I got his name wrong-
Oil pumps and rocker gear are difficult to find for what I know

[Leejm]

Vincent the primary side with hole snd a grease nipple in the main shaft

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

Yes, so it's a plus. imho
And the chaincase has the looks of an WNG chaincase, but different.
Some clever update on what originally only is a cover with no rear.
Judging by those screws your chaincase has a rear fitted, not a bad thing !

[tony.barnett]

Following on from what Vincent said - there were OHV rockerboxes made by the club (was it Mike Taylour? I seem to remember others being involved). Of course they are `one year only components'. The Black Ariel spares selection is not that extensive TBH, but include things like pushrod ends.

I also seem to recall that the cam followers and tappets are the same as VB ones...but if yours are worn its not too expensive to get them repaired (and your cam).

Gearbox Spares do some Burman Q box spares, and clutch bits. Geoff is the most helpful man on earth.

And Roger is correct - a parts list is a helpful thing - there are loads on the club website (as I'm sure you know by now).

Now call me wrong if you want Lee, but..... this seems like a very good opportunity for you to take on the role of Black Ariel Spares....Imagine what you could have made. Imagine the friends you would make. Imagine...er....well just imagine.