Problem lapping head to barrel on a '54 VH500

[Bob.Murphy]

For those who haven't done the 'Viton O-ring conversion' -

Of course, you need access to a lathe (or someone with one).

Somewhere there is a specification sheet for the insert - but I can't find mine. someone will be along shortly .

Bob.

[dennis.t]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I like the o ring conversion but I have no access to a lathe. If I can get the dimensions of the inserts I will get some made.
Dennis

[dennis.t]

Still grinding the spigot......
Dennis

[Julian Murphy]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I like the o ring conversion but I have no access to a lathe. If I can get the dimensions of the inserts I will get some made.
Dennis

Have a look at page 2 of my thread.

https://forum.arielownersmcc.com/viewto ... 6&start=10

I put up a dimensioned drawing of the collars that I made.

[nevhunter]

Aluminium will lap the iron as being soft, the bit's of abrasive end up embedded in it. Clean all trace of it away with a toothbrush and kero when you've finished. I think these motors used a ring head gasket but it is not essential if booth faces are dead true. nev

[Simon.Gardiner]

...I think these motors used a ring head gasket...

Not officially.
I have seen one with a 'ring gasket' (a copper ring on top of the spigot) fitted. As I've never seen a source (or a reference) to 'ring gaskets for Ariels' I assume this must be adapted from another make, possibly Velocette.

SG

[dennis.t]

Julian, thank you for the top hat dimensions and drawing. Nev and Simon thank you for your input.
Dennis

[Roger Gwynn]

The rule is head gaskets only used on iron heads 1952 onwards, ie. 2 years of 500 and 4 years of 350. Although it is not unusual to see home made things.

[Roger Gwynn]

Nice one Julian, I can see the lathe getting a bit of use tomorrow.

[pete.collings]

I have seen one with a 'ring gasket' (a copper ring on top of the spigot) fitted. As I've never seen a source (or a reference) to 'ring gaskets for Ariels' I assume this must be adapted from another make, possibly Velocette.

I used a delaminated Velo head gasket on top of the liner spiggot of a HS alloy barrel, as the VHA head used had been reground too many times, and there was a leak/whistling sound when using the motor hard. One layer of the gasket was around 10 thou thick, which was enough to cure the problem.