Ariel VB - a persistent oil leak

[SteveShone]

Mark, Julian - thanks for the tips. Every little helps.
Ive been out shooting all day today so have still to seek out the hidden magneto bolt I dont expect the new seals will arrive until next week now.

Steve

[MarkO]

You'll know if the hidden bolt is there when you remove the obvious 3 screws and the mag. won't budge!

Whilst the mag is off, I'd look to clean the slip ring, earth, check the HT mag end - bitter experience! - and try and get some grease into the drive end bearing.

[SteveShone]

All being taken care of, Mark
Whilst Im still awaiting delivery of the seals from Draganfly I thought Id take the opportunity this afternoon to give the head a decoke and fit the new stainless steel head bolts I got from ACME a few weeks ago. I was somewhat annoyed to find that I had been sent BSCY thread bolts and not the BSF ones needed. Had hoped to use the bike on a club run on Wednesday (fine weather promised at last) - now that looks unlikely unless I refit the old studs for the time being and waste a head gasket.
Ive emailed Clay and await his response and lead time for the correct bolts.

Steve (the rain may have stopped but there's always something to spoil plans!)

[Roger Gwynn]

Don't use SS bolts with an iron head, the rate of thermal expansion doesn't match the head.

[SteveShone]

It's an ali 9 stud head, Roger.

Steve

[Pete.Silson]

If you ordered SKU2396 from Acme, these are the bolt set for the iron head VB (7x 5/16 x 2″ CEI plus 1x tdc plug)...

...and I agree with Roger, stainless bolts are not a good idea for screwing into cast iron cylinder blocks.

Pete

[SteveShone]

No, it was a set of 9 head bolts - the tdc plug I made myself.

Steve

[Roger Gwynn]

Ally heads originally used studs and nuts, not bolts

[SteveShone]

Yes, I know, Roger. With bolts, it's possible to remove the head if needs be without disturbing the tank mountings. If Clay can't replace what he's supplied with BSCY items, I'll probably make my own replacement studs with nuts - in stainless

Steve