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Re: Problem lapping head to barrel on a '54 VH500
Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2022 10:23 am
by 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.
Re: Problem lapping head to barrel on a '54 VH500
Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2022 6:02 pm
by 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
Re: Problem lapping head to barrel on a '54 VH500
Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2022 6:02 pm
by dennis.t
Still grinding the spigot......
Dennis
Re: Problem lapping head to barrel on a '54 VH500
Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2022 11:05 pm
by Julian Murphy
dennis.t wrote: Mon Feb 14, 2022 6:02 pm
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.
Re: Problem lapping head to barrel on a '54 VH500
Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2022 1:43 am
by 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
Re: Problem lapping head to barrel on a '54 VH500
Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2022 3:59 pm
by Simon.Gardiner
nevhunter wrote: Tue Feb 15, 2022 1:43 am
...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
Re: Problem lapping head to barrel on a '54 VH500
Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2022 6:56 pm
by dennis.t
Julian, thank you for the top hat dimensions and drawing. Nev and Simon thank you for your input.
Dennis
Re: Problem lapping head to barrel on a '54 VH500
Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2022 8:29 pm
by 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.
Re: Problem lapping head to barrel on a '54 VH500
Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2022 8:33 pm
by Roger Gwynn
Nice one Julian, I can see the lathe getting a bit of use tomorrow.
Re: Problem lapping head to barrel on a '54 VH500
Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2022 9:32 pm
by 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.