My new projekt/bike 55 SQ 4 MK ll

[rschurr]

The aluminium of the MKII models built from 54 is much better than the previous MkI. With oiling in the rear head area you also have to live with here. I know no properly driven SQ4 which is dry there. You can also recognize traces of oil on old contemporary photos.

Yep so, I now made over 500 mls with my MkII. After I accelerated the initially carefully gentle engine-friendly driving style and now gone often over the 75 mph, some oiling started at the end of the head. (Can also be due to the mighty Morgo pump?). Must pull the head at end of the driving season, making the usual decarbonizing and install the Otto Head Gasket Set ( $$$$$ ).

Hope that helps then against the oily boots.
Cheers Rudy

[rschurr]

Ouch!
A mate nearby had promised me 2 valve caps I needed for my Motosacoche. So I started my SQ4, but still looked in the oil tank and saw that was too little in there (see above). So properly refilled. Then driven to him all was good and works fine . When I got there, he stood in his yard, hearing me from afar. As I parked the motorcycle on the sidestand, the breather hose spilled about a pint of oil on his yard, which was very very embarrassing!
He made big eyes and immediately ran for a bowl and a rag.

Explanation: I misinterpreted the wet sumping and filled in too much oil!

Can't help it, but some how I have got the feeling that a lot of Ariel owners fancy a BMW.
It allways makes me wonder what it is why people are attracted to this lifeless Teutonic vehicle instead of a genuine oil incontinent beast from Albion

[rschurr]

Today was a bright blue sky, not a cloud to see, so the Ariel packed and started on tour to the foothills of the Alps.

About 100 miles without problems, without misfiring *), without hot running were unwound.

Even done something against the rust, because the SQ4 has constantly delivered an oil mist from the cylinder head so that my boots are now water-resistant impregnated. (Note: Now finally have to order the cylinder head gasket - in front of the BREXIT!)

Am constantly driven (as soon as the streets allowed it ) between 50 mph and 75 mph which then led to a consumption of 47 mpg. I think the SU carburetor I have now under control.

Conclusion: A beautiful Ariel day.

Happy biking Rudy

*) P.S. To Simon (http://forum.arielownersmcc.com/viewt ... f=4&t=8278) my misfire was definitely caused by the carb! (I changed all, condensor, coil, but found the fault in the carb: http://forum.arielownersmcc.com/viewt ... 0&start=40)

[Steven.Carter]

Stunning scenery, you need to get an oil leak on the other side so both boots are equally covered

[rschurr]

Not really a problem Steve I only have to leave my left boot on the footrest when I go on the sidestand

[roger.fellows]

When I got an oily boot it was because the rocker feed had developed a leak at one of the soldered joints.

Repaired at an agricultural machinery workshop in S France.

[rschurr]

Have today ( the best weather again) turned a round and got the SQ4 really warm. She was running inspiring good just a great motorcycle! Then made a first oil change (after about 700 mls). The bottom plate was also screwed off for control.

Last time I glued in 3 of these super magnets (a 4th in the drain plug of the oil tank). They are so strong that they moved together when the glue wasn't hard enough (you can see the leakage paths).

All have captured a fine ferrous goo, but no large parts. Highly recommended! The oil was blackish but still in good greasy condition.

I also spiked with a small endoscope camera into the crankcase, everything was clean but the photos were not very meaningful. It is only for an overview, you easyly loose orientation.

Update: Ottos and other parts now arrived, when the weather goes on to the bad side I'll start to tear the head… report and photos follows.

[rschurr]

Now had time to remove the cylinder head, a simple straightforward job. Had no problems and could even leave the carburetor on the intake manifold, one source of failure less.

The head gasket was as expected at the tappet guide funnel leaking, but otherwise in good condition like as new. Found that all nuts were too little firm. I think they were never retightened.

The charcoal on the pistons and in the combustion chambers were relatively easy to remove. The pistons are still STD and the bores are in spec.
After cleaning I found - as already suspected - that one of the outer bolts was pulled out of the thread. Have now installed a Helicoil insert.

Rudy

[rschurr]

Update:

The oil supply of one rocker box was blocked with carbon and in all boxes the rubber sealing ring was missing.

I have on the SU carburetor a "lifting pin" installed in order to check the mixture setting more simplier.

And thanks to Simes "rule of nine" (http://ariel-square-four.blogspot.com/2 ... -nine.html) adjusting valve clearances is more simple and more exact.

After reassembly, a test for proper function, check of oil supply to the head and leak detection (You see I found one!).
https://youtu.be/IUmCqup234E

As I had to remove the tank I have now have mounted the missing second petrol tap and installed a filter in front of the carburetor.

Cheerio Rudy

[Leon.sokolic]

have read your posts on your '55 mk 2. i have the same bike, now installing a new loom and electronic vr.
would like to see a photo of your '36 Motocycoache . if you post the photo, how do i access to view it? am new to the club/site.
thanks
Leon