Ariel Sq4 1953 oil.

[Peter.smith]

Hi everyone, I have a 1953 Sq4 which i fitted a cartridge filter kit. I am using mono grade SAE40 oil at the moment but it seems to go very thin when the engine is hot. Also the oil pressure drops to about 15-20.I was advised to use super unleaded fuel but should I be using any additives as well. I have no idea how much work has been done to the bike. I realise it will need a rebuild in the future. Has anybody got any contacts that are willing to take on the work. Thanks Peter Smith.

[simon.holyfield]

Hi Peter, I suggest you switch to 20W/50, you'll have a much easier time.

On a standard pump, 15-20 psi on hot idle is OK.

Use super unleaded - no additives necessary.

If you have no knowledge of this engine, I strongly suggest you don't run it again until you have had a look at the sludge traps - these are very small and will starve a big end in no time.

Where did you get the bike from? Post a picture and some details and perhaps we can get an idea of whether it's known in the club.

[Peter.smith]

Thanks Simes, here is a few photos of my bike. It was featured in a few magazines, one was Real classics in June 2014 - Classic bike guide Feb 2016. If any one has got any info on the bike it would be greatly appreciated. Once again thanks for your time and replying to my questions. Cheers Peter Smith.

[simon.holyfield]

Ah yes I've seen that one before - I remember the red battery box.

Hopefully Roger will be able to tell us about it, it must be on the club register?

[Roger Gwynn]

Hi all, just back from a brill Austrian rally but a bit too hot, however the beer helped cool us down.
This SQ4 has 4 entries in the register
1 Feb 1992 Rod Luxton Exeter
2 June 2020 Millennium motorcycles Warrington
3 October 2021 Robinsons of Rochdale,
4 November 2022 Peter Smith (current owner)
I really only record bike details and ownership, not work done etc. I do have some photos of bikes but none for this one.