Pardon my irgnorance

[mattlacey]

Still new to this "old" bike malarky, my only other bike that's getting on a bit is a spritely 27 years.

When I got my NH 350 from my great uncle he did say it would leak oil a bit, but I'm guessing that it probably should leak quite this much from the exhaust rocker box and that I'm in need of a new gasket here? Building up a list of jobs to do/solve, and this will get yet another. Still, been out on a few rides and absolutely love it. Such a different experience to riding my newer machines.

[simon.holyfield]

I'm not sure that's the gasket is it? The decompressor is a classic oil leak on the iron head bikes - the seal is probably tired or the decompressor worn - neither is a problem if you just want to put up with it, or you can get a new decompressor assembly.

The other one looks like the exhaust rocker shaft and cover (the big screw) is loose or the fibre washer is knackered. Do it up with a big screwdriver and see what happens.

You can ride them like this without causing any problems apart from a bit of a mess. Brilliant fun aren't they!

[mattlacey]

I'm not sure that's the gasket is it? The decompressor is a classic oil leak on the iron head bikes - the seal is probably tired or the decompressor worn - neither is a problem if you just want to put up with it, or you can get a new decompressor assembly.

That'll be said ignorance... just assumed that was what was going on.

The other one looks like the exhaust rocker shaft and cover (the big screw) is loose or the fibre washer is knackered. Do it up with a big screwdriver and see what happens.

You can ride them like this without causing any problems apart from a bit of a mess. Brilliant fun aren't they!

Excellent fun, and as along as the machine isn't suffering (oil level is still good) it doesn't bother me too much, kinda adds to the charm. I think what I love most about riding it is that it's so fun without the need for going fast, it's making me question trading in my big bike for something more relaxed.

[simon.holyfield]

Talking about ignorance though, I think that's one of the nice things about getting involved with old bikes and particularly if you specialise in one make? Just getting to know them, getting to know the people and getting the best out of them.

For me that makes them a lot more rewarding than modern bikes.

[mattlacey]

Yeah I've got a lot to learn about these. I've done a reasonable amount of things on newer bikes but turns out 50+ years is a lot of change. Zero plans to ever sell this bike so I'm usre after a few years I'll know it inside and out.

I can see it getting a bit addictive though, and it might not be the only old Ariel in my garage after a few years

[Simon.Gardiner]

A word about the rocker-box gaskets - if/when you tighten down the rocker box and the gasket sinks slightly you lose twice the amount of 'sink' in the tappet clearance (and with an iron head there's not a lot of clearance to play with!)

SG