Seemingly, fitting the intended "Universal" Vokes air cleaner to a range of different WD bikes was never going to be easy............

In particular, some of the OHV types appear to have had "fitting issues" due to the profile of the tank............

In the case of the Ariel, the pipe and clamp arrangement fit rather too close (within mm) to the oil tank, interfering with the cap removal........also, the profile of the tank top is too rounded to fit the filter correctly.............

Triumph too, may have had an issue, possibly Enfield, and as for AMC (Matchless) they at least adopted two profiles of wooden rear blocks to mount and support the cleaner......not so in the case of the Ariel........see the illustration taken from the workshop manual and cross referencing to the parts list just to make sure I wasn't missing something...............

With the Ariel, the filter sits on the tank at the front, never the original plan surely ? And the rear is unsupported.........the felt/rubber "feet" don't even touch the tank top (the side-mounted ones) and the principle of air entering the filter from beneath is partially lost.................I'm certain that this wasn't solely an Ariel issue.........

No cutaway tanks either for the hose......only done by BSA, Triumph and (some) Norton to my knowledge..............

Ariel too, used a hose only 6" long according to the parts book, but clearly the sidevalves by Norton and BSA used longer..............

Clearly, the secret here is time and patience plus a fair bit of trial and error.......

But on the plus side, the W/NG workshop manual is great ! Even shows exploded views of both types of forks (rubber mounted handlebars & steering damper then the later arrangement......)

So, following on, if you have a Matchless G3L fitted with a Vokes tank-top air cleaner, the rear should be supported by a wooden block of one of two types depending on the profile/shape of fuel tank fitted ! Not so in the case of other makes it seems......well, according to the WD workshop manual and parts lists !

Yes Steve. Fitting a Vokes to an OHV is harder because of the shorter flexi pipe. Not helped by I suspect, the more modern type of exhaust flexi pipe, being a bit heavier and stiffer than the original Vokes pipe. The flexi pipe on my M20 is very supple.

I fitted this one to my 3HW. After a trial fit, I found it easier to connect the hose to the carb before fitting the filter to the tank. Then I was able to strain the hose to shape by gently pulling the filter down to the tank with the trunion nuts.

I also have one on my MAF (which has the same type fluted cut out to the tank as the 3HW) This one has one of the repro elbows like you have. I found this also near impossible to fit the hose to the filter once it is fitted to the tank.

Keep struggling! Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Steve, how does the W/NG workshop manual compare with the W/NG maintenance manual and instruction book? Is it worth picking up?
Wade

email (option): iron_ariel@yahoo.ca

It's the same book Wade.......what the WD used as a workshop manual.......

The edition I have is Book No.101/AI - Edition 3C..........

Ron, many thanks for the tips !

Very interesting stev and thanks for the input on filters, am just thinking about a vokes for my WNG, I have the Vokes, Stev and Ron, any body makes or supply's the side straps for a vokes in the uk

email (option): warbikesAT GEE MALE .COM

Not as far as I know Andrew, but plenty on Ebay............

For the pipe, speak with Rob Miller who may have some............

For the 2-piece clamp, speak to Ron Pier - he may have some of his repro's left or can possibly get some more made........

As for the short length of pipe and carburetter adaptor (basically a threaded ring in place of the bell-mouth) you are on your own !

Vokes pads (bollock protector) you need to contact Frank Brown in the UK who does really good repro's............

Hi you can purchase the carb adapter from Hitchcocks motorcycle No 01564 783192 part no AM / 6 / 110 cost £ 7.00

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Phil, thanks for this, great piece of info ! Thanks again mate.....

I'm not getting any result with that part number Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Ron, here's the Hitchcock's page: http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/amal-carburettors-air-filters-bellmouths

Also have a look at the long, polished alloy air intake. Wondering if it would be of any use (with modification), for the straight Vokes pipe?

Wade

email (option): iron_ariel@yahoo.ca

Hi its in the Hitchcocks parts book under amal carb spares and its for the 276 pre monoblock they have a list of different carbs that can be supplied air intake adapters . It's in the 2014/15 book page 271

I see it now. Bit daft that their search facility doesn't find one of their own part numbers?

That ring looks a bit thin to me for a Vokes elbow though?

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

The adaptor they show is just a general picture ,the adaptor for the 276 has a wall thickness of around 5mm and is 25mm in length hope this helps / on there web page go to the search box top right on first page put that part no in and straight to it