Square Four MkI - first rides after restoration

[Gui.dorey]

Now, I'll have to tackle the oil leaks which still are way too much, especially from the drive side.

What is the oil level in your primary case?

Filled it up to the level plug. According to other members here it is probably too much.

[simon.holyfield]

This weekend had some progress. I timed the ignition with a strobe light and indeed it was a few degrees retarded...

What marks did you shine the strobe at Gui?

[Gui.dorey]

This weekend had some progress. I timed the ignition with a strobe light and indeed it was a few degrees retarded...

What marks did you shine the strobe at Gui?

I did a mark at TDC for retarded at idling and one at 8mm BTDC or about 5/16“. It started advancing at about 1300-1400 rpms if I remember correctly. I think it was reaching full advance at just above 2000rpm. Didn‘t have time to record everything as I was doing it alone and making a big racket on a Sunday is a big sin here. she might still need a tad more advance, though.

[simon.holyfield]

You marked the front crank nut?

[Gui.dorey]

You marked the front crank nut?

Oh, yes, forgot that bit. Used the front crank nut for the markings. It's amazing how much oil splatters out when one throttles up

[Gui.dorey]

Well, to wrap up this thread I can now say the restoration is complete. Sorted out a few things, got the speedo working properly again, swapped the oil lines to the rockers and pressure gauge, did the first oil change and readjusted the valves after the first 100kms, and today drove to a classic bike and car show without any problems. Still dripping oil here and there, but nothing major so I’ll just run like that with her for now. As far as I can tell (have no reference as I never rode a Sq4 before) the engine is running well and smoothly. Although Ariels in general and Square 4 in particular are rare in Germany, today a mate I met last year also showed up with his MkI. His is the red one, mine the black. A very happy Sunday!

[Eero.Korhonen]

It is looking very good!
Br, Eero

[roger.fellows]

If there's still any lack of higher speed smoothness or power it might be worth making sure the fuel can get through properly - they tend to like a full tank - and the breather must work of course. I guess you'll have checked engine mountings are tight too?

Eggs, grandmothers etc.

[klaus gerhard]

Hello Gui,
thats a very nice Mk1. Congratulations.
When I looked at the photos of your outing, it seems that the 2 front mudguard stays are too long compared with the red Mk1. Too long stays result in an uptilting mudguard. There are 2 different lenghs, the one for the valanced guard and the other for the unvalanced guard.
Actually I do have a pair of the short stays and need a pair of the long ones for my bike. So if you are interested we could do a straight swap. Details could be discussed over the phone.
Regards Klaus

[Gui.dorey]

If there's still any lack of higher speed smoothness or power it might be worth making sure the fuel can get through properly - they tend to like a full tank - and the breather must work of course. I guess you'll have checked engine mountings are tight too?

Eggs, grandmothers etc.

That’s all sorted. Power was never really a problem, but vibrations or smoothness. The vibrations were tracked to the headlamp lens which was loose in headlamp reflector. A bead of silicone solved it. The smoothness or lack of it is noticeable while the motor is cold. Once it gets up to temperature after a few miles it gets much better. But I also have no reference to compare it with, so this might really be a non issue.