Riley Technical Data

Last updated September 2001

Data Sources

Chassis

Front Axle

Springs

Shock Absorbers - Luvax Vane or Rotor Type

Brake Linings

Transmission

Clutch

Pre Selector Gearbox

Engine

Torque Spanner

Valves

Valve Springs

Pistons

Spark Plugs

Ignition

Timing Stick

Carburettor

SU

Solex

Zenith

Miscellaneous

Bearings

Gaskets

Oil Seals

 

Data Sources

I have taken this data from the following sources.

a The Service Station and Motor Mechanics Manual, G.George 1940
b Motor Trader Data Sheets 1937-40
c Newnes Motor Engineers Pocket Book, 1950
d The Book of the Riley - Robson 1956
e Lodge Advert. 1956
f The Riley 9 Manual - Robson 1952
g Car models with corresponding carburetter and pump specifications - S.U. Co. 1964
h Payen catalogue and price list1950
i SKF and Hoffman bearing catalogues
j Riley Sales and Service Bulletins 1933-1950
k Post war Riley workshop manual ,  alternative link
AJT My own notes

Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this data, I cannot be held responsible for its use or for any errors etc etc etc. Please use you own discretion or seek advice from a suitably experienced mechanic or Riley expert.

Also note that Riley frequently changed their specifications and also often built up vehicles from stock which was to hand.

 

 

The Riley Register has reprinted a comprehensive range of original parts lists and instruction manuals. These are available for purchase by members.

Chassis

Front Axle

  Camber
Degrees		 Toe In
Inches 		Caster
Degrees		 King Pin Inclination
Degrees		 Source
All Models 1932-38 2-1/2 1/8 3-1/4 8 a
9hp, 15/6 1937 2 1/8 3-1/14 8 b
1937/8 9HP, 1938 1/12litre, 1939 12HP 1-3/4 1/8 3-1/4 8 c
1939 12HP,16HP   parallel     b

Springs

  Front
Length, Inches		 Rear
Length, Inches		 Width
Inches		 Front Leaves Rear Leaves Front Camber
Inches		 Rear Camber
Inches		 Source
Nine 28-1/2 40-1/4   7 10     b (1937)
15/6 32 40-1/4   7 10     b (1937)
12HP 28-1/2 40-3/4 1-3/4(Front)
2(Rear)		 8 11 3/4 Loaded
2-7/8 Free		 -1 Loaded
5-1/4 Free		 b (1939/40)
16HP 32 40-3/4 1-3/4(Front)
2(Rear)		 10 11 3/4 Loaded
2-7/8 Free		 -1 Loaded
5-1/4 Free		 b (1939/40)

 

Shock Absorbers - Luvax Vane or Rotor Type

  Front Rear Source
9HP, 1937 CMPVC12 -20sec CMPR10-10sec a
12/4, 15/6 1937 CMPVC12-20sec CMPR9-10sec a
12/4 SWB 1938 CMPVC12-20sec CMPR10-10sec a
12/4 LWB 1938 CMPVC12-20sec CMPR9-10sec a
12/4 Victor 1938 CMPVC12-20sec CMPR9-8sec a
16HP 1938 ALC5-12sec ALC5-8sec a
V8 1938 ALC5-12sec ALC5-8sec a

Brake Linings

  Make Dia
Inches		 Lining
Length		 Lining
Width		 Lining
Thickness		 Ferodo
Lining Ref.		 Source
Big4, 16HP, V8 1938 Girling 16 12-9/16 1-3/4 1/4 GG/4/1 a
9, late 1935/8 Girling 11 10-9/16 1-1/2 3/16 RV/14/2 a
12/4,15/6,1935/8
8/90 1936/7
12/6 1935		 Girling 13 11-3/8 1-1/4 3/16 SI/9/2 a
14/6 MPH,Edinburgh,Stelvio 1934/5 Riley 15-1/2 15-5/32 1-1/4 3/16 RI/9/1 a
9 1934, Early1935
12/6,14/6 1934		 Riley 13 12-23/32 1-1/4 3/16 RI/8/2 a
All 1931/3 Riley 13 12-23/32 1-1/4 3/16 RI/8/1 a

Ref (a) specifies Girling straight adjusters for early 1935, and inclined adjusters thereafter.

Ref(a) specifies MR - non metallic - linings for all models.

Ref (a) also specifies Bendix 2S (Non Servo) brakes for 9 hp 1938.

Transmission

Clutch

  Make Dia
Inches		 Bore
Inches		 Thickness
Inches		 Facing
Type		 No. of
Facings		 Ferodo
ref.		 Source
All 1937/8 (pre-select) Newton Bennett 9 5-1/2 5/32 VM 2 4/NB/1 a
9 HP late 1935/37 (pre-select) Newton Bennett 9 5-1/2 5/32 VM 2 4/NB/1 a
12/4 1936/7 (pre-select) Newton Bennett 9 5-1/2 5/32 VM 2 4/NB/1 a
15/6,8/90 1936/7 (pre-select)
12/4, 12/6 1935 (pre-select)		 Newton Bennett 7-5/8 4-7/8 1/8 VM 4 7/RI/1 a
12/4, 12/6 1935 (manual)
6 cyl Falcon 1935/6 (manual)
MPH, Stelvio 1935 (manual)		 Riley 10 7-1/2 1/8
or 5/32		 RAD II 1 4/RI/1
or 1/SU/2		 a
12/4, 12/6 1935 (pre-select)
6 cyl Falcon 1935/6 (pre-sel)
MPH, Stelvio 1935 (pre-sel)		 Newton Bennett 7-5/8 4-7/8 1/8 VM 4 7/RI/1 a
14/6 12/6 9 1934 (manual) Riley 10 7-1/2 1/8
or 5/32		 VM 1 4/RI/1
or 1/SU/2		 a
14/6 12/6 9 1934 (pre-select) Newton Bennett 140mm 100mm 1/10 inch VM 8 6/RI/1 a
9 early 1935 (pre-select) Newton Bennett 7-5/8 4-7/8 1/8 VM 4 7/RI/1 a
All 1933 Riley 10 7-1/2 1/8 RAD II 2 4/RI/1 a
All 1931/2 Riley 10 7-1/2 1/8
or 5/16		 RAD II
or FB		 2
or 1		 4/RI/1
or 5/RI/1		 a

VM = Moulded non metallic

RAD II = Ferodo Bonded Asbestos, Die-made, brass wire interwoven.

FB = Ferobestos non metallic.

Pre Selector Gearbox

Armsrong Siddeley maintenance booklet

Alternative method for setting toggle action

Engine

Torque Wrench Settings

  Cylinder Head Nuts Connecting Rod Nuts Main Bearings Source
Post War 1 1/2 litre 1946-1952 45 lb ft 35 lb ft 21 lb ft(Centre)
65 lb ft (rear)		 k
Post War 2 1/2 litre, 1946-1952 75 lb ft 39 lb ft. 75 lb ft. k

Note: Riley did not specify torque wrench settings in the pre-war years. Perhaps the average mechanic did not have access to such high tech equipment, or he was expected to be skilled and know how hard to pull on his spanners.

However, the pre-war 9hp, 6cylinder and 12/4 engines all used similar stud and nut sizes to the post war 1 1/2 litre, so these torque settings can be safely employed. 

Similarly the pre-war 16hp is similar to the post war 2 1/2 litre car.

AJT

Valves

  Inlet opens
before TDC		 Inlet close
after BDC		 Exhaust opens
before BDC		 Exhaust close
after TDC		 Inlet Tappet
(hot, inches)		 Exhaust Tappet
(hot, inches)		 Source
9 hp, 6 cyl, Standard models1932/8 TDC 50 55 30 .002 .003-.004 a,b,c
12/4 Standard and Special Series 1935/8 TDC 50 50 21 .003 .004 a,c
15/6 1935/8 TDC 55 50 21 .004 .004 a,b,c
16 HP 1938 7 50 50 17 .003 .003 a,b,c
12/4 Sprite 1936/8 20 50 50 20 .004 .004 a,c

Note : Many cars have recently been fitted with new or reprofiled camshafts. These are often made to a modern cam profile and may require tappet clearences of (typically) 0.015 inches. Consult the manufacturer if you are unsure.

Valve Springs

  Valve Closed
Force lb.		 Valve Closed
Length inch		 Valve Open
Force lb.		 Valve Open
Length inch		 Length when out
of car (inch)		 Source
12/4 single springs type R216 51 1-47/64 65 1-29/64 2-3/4 a
12/4 double springs -----inner 22-3/4 1-9/16 29 1-9/32 2-9/16 a
12/4 double springs -----outer 34-3/4 1-5/8 47 1-11/32 2-13/32 a
12 HP 1939 ------inner         2.562 b
12 HP 1939 ------outer         2.415 b
16 HP 1939 -----inner         2.536 b
16 HP 1939 -----outer         2-7/16 b

Pistons

  Type Top Clearance Skirt Clearance Ring Gap Ring groove
clearance		 Compression Source
9 HP Riley BHB Split Skirt   .002-.003 (top)
.002-.0015(Bottom)(sic !!)		 .007 .001   b
15/6 Riley BHB Split Skirt .0025-.003   .007 .001 45.25mm b
12HP 1939 BHB Split Skirt   .003 feeler 1/2" wide needs
7lb force to withdraw		 .005 free fit, no play   b
16HP 1939 BHB Split Skirt   as 12HP above .005 free fit, no play   b
All models Split Skirt .020 - .030 .0025 max .002 tight finger fit   j (1933)
All models Solid Skirt .025-.030 .004 .002 tight finger fit   j (1933)
All models   .002   .008 max
.007-.0011 (Wellworthy rings)		     j(1936)

Note: Manufacturers advice should be sought and followed when machining bores for new pistons. The clearance required varies dependant upon the construction (split or solid skirt) and the expansion rate of the materials used. There have been many recent cases of rebuilt engines seizing up when insufficient clearance has been allowed.

Spark Plugs

  Champion KLG Lodge Source
9HP 16, 17 KS5, M80 CB3, H2 d
9HP 16,17 KS5,M60,M80 CB3,H2 f
9 HP Standard Series     CB3 e
9 HP Special Series     HLN18, HLN18P e
9 HP, 6 cylinder 13     j (undated)
9 HP (twin carbs) RIV     j (undated)
all other Standard Series 1937-40     CN e
all other Special Series 1937-40     HN, HNP e
12,14,15,16 HP to1936, Standard Series     CB3 e
12,14,15,16 HP to 1936, Special Series     HLN18, HLN18P e
12HP 1939-40, 15/6 L10     b
12HP Sprite Series 1939-40, 16HP 1939-40 L10S     b
1906 V twin 9HP D9     letter from Champion

Plug Gaps ----- Coil Ignition 0.025", Magneto Ignition 0.018" (ref d)

Champion have replaced L10 with L90, and the L10S with L85/L82C. (1985 Champion Catalogue)

They also list D16 to replace 13.

I believe Champion 7Com or D16 to be a fair replacement for 16 or 17. (AJT)

Ignition

  Static Ignition Setting, with position of manual control Advance Range Contact Breaker
Gap		 Source
9 hp and 6 cylinder, 1932-38 TDC Full retard     a
9 Hp 1937 TDC Full retard   0.012 b
9 hp 1937/8 TDC Full retard   Scintilla Mag 0.12-0.016
Distributor 0.010-0.012		 c
15/6 5deg ATDC Full retard 27 degrees(auto+manual) at distributor 0.012 b
12/4 standard, special series and sprite, 15/6, 1935-39 5 deg ATDC Full retard 54 degrees(auto+manual) at crankshaft   a
12/4 1938 5 deg ATDC, Full retard   Scintilla Mag 0.12-0.016
Distributor 0.010-0.012		 c
12hp 1939 1 inch on flywheel rim BTDC, Full retard 24 degrees centrifugal
20 degrees manual (at crankshaft) 		0.016 b
12hp 1939/40 5 deg ATDC Full retard   0.010-0.012 c
16hp 1938 12 deg BTDC Full advance     a
16hp 1939/40 TDC Full retard 24 degrees centrifugal
20 degrees manual (at crankshaft)		 0.022 b
1-1/2 litre 1946-7 8 deg BTDC (i.e. 2 flywheel teeth), Full advance 32-35 degrees centrifugal
15 degrees manual (at crankshaft)
Centrifugal advance starts at 1000rpm, and reaches full advance at 4000rpm		 0.030 b
12/4 TDC, Full retard (Feb 1935)
8 deg BTDC Full retard (Aug 1935)		 12 degrees (manual) 0.018 j

Notes: These settings are from period literature. With modern fuels (different burn rates from that available then) and modified engines (e.g high compression pistons, modified camshafts) they may no longer be the optimum. Some experimentation may be required.

Ignition settings are sometimes given in terms of distributor rotation rather than crankshaft. Remember that the distributor rotates at haf the speed of the crankshaft.

The automatic advance range (measured in distributor degrees!) of the standard Lucas DK distributor is stamped on the steel advance plate which is found underneath the contact breaker plate. It is determined by the length of the slot which is cut in the plate.

The distributor points gap that is required depends upon the shape of the cam. If you are not sure about the cam that is fitted in your distributor then the best method is to set the gap with a dwell meter. A dwell of 50-60% is a safe setting.

After fitting new contact breaker points the high spots on the fibre (or nowdays plastic)cam follower wear at a very fast rate during the initial bedding in period. Don't forget to reset the points after a 100 miles or so. Also lightly smear the cam with a little light grease.

The gap on a normal magneto is usually 0.012". Plug gaps are also less when using a magneto (0.012-0.015).

I have included the settings for post war RMA as it gives details of the automatic centrifugal advance. -AJT.

Timing Stick

It is difficult to find TDC and other timing points on most Rileys because the flywheel is well hidden, and is not often marked. A timing stick which is inserted in a sparking plug hole is an alternative. These tables show the relationship between piston movement (in inches from TDC) and crankshaft rotation in degrees. A timing stick may be made from a length of dowel rod and pencil marks made on it to show the points that you wish to measure.

To find TDC accurately Riley illustrate a dial test gauge (Sales and Service Bulletin Nov 1935) adaptor to screw into a spark plug hole..

Anyone dropping and loosing their measuring stick in the cylinder is invited to send in a small article describing how they got it out again.

Riley 9 timing stick

Riley 12/4 timing stick

Riley 16 timing stick

A simple Excel spreadsheet was used to produce these timing stick tables.

 

Carburettors

SU

  Carb Spec Type No Needle
Rich		 Needle
Std.		 Needle
Weak		 Spring Source
9, 1930 AUC54 Pair OM   D4     g
Brooklands 9, 1930 AUC70 Single HV4   K     g
9, 1931 AUC78 Pair OM   D2     g
9, 1931 (heated induction) AUC78 Pair OM D7 D1 PJ   g
9, 1930 -6cylinder (sic!!!) AUC89 Pair OM   O7     g
12/6 1933 AUC113 Single HV3   R6 R0   a,g
14/6 1933 AUC113 Single HV3 RLS RLB MME   a,g
9 Ulster Racing 1932/3 AUC124 Pair HV2   VS     g
9, 1930 AUC126 Single HV2 M5 M6 M7   g
14/6 Special Sports 1932 AUC154 Three HV2 81 R3 2   a,g
9, 1932 AUC155 Single HV2 1 M5 M6   g
9, 1933 155 Single HV2 1 M5 M6   a
9 Sports 1933 AUC183 Pair OM D7 D1 PJ   a,g
9 Brooklands 1933 124 Pair HV2 LS1 VS 62   a
12/6, 1933 AUC200 Three OM WX CW CX   a,g
9, 1934 235 Single HV2 1 M5 M6   a
9 Sports 1934 AUC221 Pair OM 1 MA S   a,g
9 Ulster Racing 1934 124 Pair HV2 LS1 VS 62   a
12/6, 1934 AUC236 Single HV3 R6 R0 AM   a,g
14/6, 1934 AUC236 Single HV3 RLS RLB MME   a,g
12/6 Special Sports 1934 AUC237 Three OM WX CW CX   a,g
14/6 Special Sports 1934 AUC238 Three HV2 81 R3 2   a,g
MPH 1935 AUC276 Pair HV2   MME     g
12/4 Sports 1935/6 AUC285 Pair HV3   A3     g
12/4 Special 1935 AUC298 Pair HV4   WO3     g
12/4 Special 1936/7 AUC391 Pair HV3   CC     g
16 1939 AUC415 Single D5   6   white g
12 1939 AUC416 Single H2 BY 3 V2   g
12 Sprite1939       CC     c

A white spring (AUC1166) gives 18oz force when compressed to 3.562 inches.

SU Throttle sizes

Throttle Diameter
Inches		 Type Source
7/8 HV0 g
1 UB,OM,HV1 g
1-1/8 HV2,H1,D2 g
1-1/4 MC2,HV3,H2,D3,HS2 g
1-3/8 HV4,H3,D4 g
1-1/2 H4,D4L,HD4,HS4 g
1-5/8 U5,HV5,H5,D5 g
1-3/4 H6,DU6,HD6,HS6 g
1-7/8 HV8 g
2 H8,HD8 g

Solex

  Type Choke Main Jet Pilot Jet Assembly Starter Air Jet Petrol Air Jet Source
9, 1936 26 HBFD 21 105 x 230 50 20 4 120 a
9 Sports 1936 2-26 HBFD 20 100 x 230 55 20 4 120 a
9, 1935 26 FHDSS 21 100 x 44 55 12-15 x 300 4 120 a
9 Sports 1934 pair 26 BFHD 17 90 x 52 60 12-13 x 300 SE 4 120 a
9, upto 1934 26FH 21 100 x 44 55   4 120 f
9, from 1934 pair 26HB 21 95 x 200 60   4 120 f
9, from 1934 26HB 21 105 x 230 50   4.5 110 f
12 1933/4 3-26 FHGSS
(2) end Carbs
(1) mid carbs
(2) 17
(1) 20
(2) 85 x 52
(1)100 x 41		 50 12-15 x 300 4 140 a
9 1937/8 26 HBFD 21 105 x 230 50 20 4 120 a
9 1937   20 100 x 230 60 or 50       c
9 1937/8 1-26 BHFG
1-26 HBFD		 21 95 x 200 60 20 4 120 a

Zenith

  Type Choke
Tube		 Main
Jet		 Comp.
Jet		 Slow
Running
Jet		 Economy
Jet		 Capacity
Tube		 Prog.
Jet		 Starter
Venturi		 Start
Jet		 Start
Control
Jet		 Needle
Seating		 Dilution
Plugs		 Source
9 (Earlier models) 26 HZ 17 85 85                   f
9 1933/9 26VEH
26VEHG		 17 55 55 45 - 2 110 3.5 90 110 2.5 Out a
9 1938 Twin 20 65 or 55 65 45 -               c
9 high charge 1937/8 26VEH
26VEHG		 17 62 45 45 - 2 110 3.5 90 110 1.5 Out a
9 1938 26VEH 20 75 65 55 - 2 - 3.5 85 4.5 ??? 2.5 Out a
12/4 1935/8 36VH 27 110 85 65 150 2 160 5.0 120 120 2.0 Out a
12/4 1938 36VEH 27 110 85/90 65 150               c
12/4 Special Series 1938 Pair 36VH 25 100 75 55 140 2 160 4.5 110 110 1.5 Out a
12/4 1938 36VI-2 28 110 80 70 135 2 Nil 5.0 130 110 2.5 Out a
15/6 1937/8 36VH 27 110 95 65 150 2 160 5.5 135 120 2.0 Out a
16/4 1938 42VI-2
36VI-2		 32 130 110
100		 75 150 2 Nil 5.0 140 120 2.5 - a
V8 18HP 1937/8 Pair 36 VI-2 25 100 75 55 130 2 150 4.5 110 110 2.5 Out a
                             
                             

Miscellaneous

Bearings

This is from SKF and Hoffman data sheets. All Hoffman numbers have been replaced by their SKF equivalents.

Most of these bearings (or their equivalents from other manufacturers) are in current production and should be easy to obtin from local bearing stockists.

There are also certain other bearings (mostly in late 9 HP gear boxes) which are Riley specials.

  9HP
Mk 1,2,3
 9HP
Mk4
 9HP
Plus,
Plus Ultra		 9HP
1934
 9HP
Merlin
 14/6
1932
 14/6
Stelvio
Winchester		 12/6
14/6
1933/6		 12/4 12 HP SV
1928		 16HP V8
Distributor - - B4 B4 B4   RMS5 front
RMS7 rear		 RMS5 front
RMS7 rear		 B4      
Camshaft B8 B8 B8 B8 B8   B8 B4 front
B8 rear		        
Exhaust Camshaft (if fan fitted)     B6 B6 B6              
Fan Spindle               RLS5 RLS5   RLS5  
Water Pump                     6303, N203 RLS5, EE12
Clutch Spigot EE8 EE8 EE8 EE8     RLS5 RLS5     EE9 RLS5
Clutch Withdrawl (not Mk1) I.131463 I.131463 I.1314163 I.131463     I.131464 I.131464   6208    
Mainshaft, to No 42000 RLS10 RLS10 RLS10       RLS10
(early models)		 RLS10
(early models)		   6306    
Mainshaft Spigot to No 42000 RMS8 RMS8 RMS8       RLS8
(early models)		 RLS8
(early models)		        
Clutch Spigot(pre-select)     EE11 EE11         RLS5      
Mainshaft Spigot(pre-select)     RLS9 RLS9                
Constant Mesh pinion                   6305    
Prop shaft front RLS8 RLS8 RLS8 RLS8 N/A RLS8 RLS8 RLS8 RLS8   RLS8 RLS8
Prop shaft centre 6205 - - -                
Differential 6208 6208 6208 6208 30208 6208 6208 6208 6208 6308 6208 6208
Diff thrust T9 T9 T9 T9   T9 T9 T9 T9   T9 T9
Bevel Pinion front RMS8 RMS8 RMS8 RMS8 3306B RMS8 RMS8 RMS8 RMS8 RLS10 RMS8 RMS8
Bevel Pinion rear RMS9 RMS9 RMS9 RMS9 N306 RMS9 RMS9 RMS9 CFM9
I.130127		 RMS10    
Bevel Pinion thrust T9 T9 T9 T9   T9 T9 T9 T9 T10 T9 T9
Bevel Pinion thrust O9 O9 O9 O9   O9 O9 O9 O9   O9 O9
Rear Hub 6209 6210 6210 6210 6208 6210 6210 6210 6210
(6208 -Victor)		 RLS14 6308 6308
(6210 -1938)
Front Hub, Inner RMS8 6406 6406 I.131475   RMS11 RMS11 6406 6406 or RMS10 6307 6308 6308
Front Hub Outer RMS6 RMS6 RMS6 RMS6 RMS6 RMS8 RMS8 RMS6 RMS6 6305 RMS6 RMS6
Steering                   W6156    
Steering Top,Bottom O8 O8 O8 O8 O8 O8 O8 O8 O8      
Steering Bottom RMS7 RMS7 RMS7 RMS7 RMS7 RMS7 RMS7 RMS7 RMS7      
Dynamo front                 RLS5 6206    
Dynamo rear                 RLS6 98305    

Gaskets

The following gaskets are listed for Riley in the 1950 Payen price list . The Riley models to which they apply are sadly not given.

Circular gaskets (copper asbestos, open type)

I/D O/D Thickness Type Source
8 15 2.0 8R3 h
13 18 1.5 13R4 h
40 55 2.0 40R5 h

Triangular Gaskets (copper asbestos)

Centre Hole C to C
of Bolt Holes		 Bolt Hole Dia Thickness Source
44 63.5 10 1.5 h
44 64 10 1.5 h

Oil Seals

  Application Payen No Riley No Quantity Material Source
9 Merlin and Kestrel from chassis 66M101 onwards Fan B105 R45 1 M/L h
Propeller Shaft C134 C1086 1 M/L h
Pinion Worm C162 A1492 1 M/L h
Rear Hub D104 A1493 2 M/L h
Rear Hub Flange
(Mk IV only)		 5676 A1148 3 L h
12HP 1939-46 Front Hub C218 100541Z 2 M/L h
Gearbox, front B128 MA3879 1 M/L h
Rear Hub C78 80773Z 2 M/L h
12/4 15/6 1936/38 Fan B105 R45 1 M/L h
Timing Cover B105 R45 1 M/L h
Rear Hub D125 A1371 1 M/L h
Flywheel Bell Housing C134 C1036 1 M/L h
Autovia 1938/9 Front Hub C205   2 M/L h
Rear Hub D125 A1371 2 M/L h