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Search results

  1. DimitriT

    Anyone consider mounting fan on their carbs?

    The other day I was tuning the idle mixture and let the bike overheat in the garage. Very little airflow. The bike stalled once it got too hot. No big surprise. That's what they do. But it appears that the carbs also overheated and vapor locked. I wasn't able to start the bike again for...
  2. DimitriT

    How to part the cylinder head from the cylinders - stuck gasket - 1980 gs550e

    If you are pulling the valve then you should look at replacing the valve oil seals.
  3. DimitriT

    How to part the cylinder head from the cylinders - stuck gasket - 1980 gs550e

    Compression is not ideal but within the limits. You can't expect perfection on a 30 year old bike. If you are doing the valve guides you may want to check the valves for sealing using the kerosene leak method. Sometime a valve lapping will fix that.
  4. DimitriT

    aftermarket rear shocks

    I put Progressive Suspension 12s on my 550 years ago and they are feeling a bit worn out after 40K miles. I feel its time for a swap. Has anyone run 13" Sportster shocks? They look pretty heavy duty and are cheap. I believe the 550 is 13 3/16" eye-to-eye...
  5. DimitriT

    How to part the cylinder head from the cylinders - stuck gasket - 1980 gs550e

    Looks good. A couple of things: Leaks around the base gasket happen near the corners. The corner stud channels are used to carry oil up to the head. That's why they have o-rings around them. But I usually like to apply some black silicone sealer (very thing coat, just a light wipe) on both...
  6. DimitriT

    Checking valve clearances help!

    It's not in gear, right? If you take out the plugs you should be able to see which pistons are approaching TDC (the inner or the outer) and it should be apparent if the valves for that piston are closed or open.
  7. DimitriT

    How to part the cylinder head from the cylinders - stuck gasket - 1980 gs550e

    Taking the carbon off the piston tops is usually done with the pistons out of the motor and a bench wire wheel. But here's a little secret.. the carbon layer is actually not bad for the motor. It looks ugly but does no harm. I've learned to leave it alone.
  8. DimitriT

    How to part the cylinder head from the cylinders - stuck gasket - 1980 gs550e

    On the 550 which is tight for space, ring compressors will just get in the way.
  9. DimitriT

    How to part the cylinder head from the cylinders - stuck gasket - 1980 gs550e

    At least on the 550 I do not use ring compressors. But a spare set of strong hands is useful. And patience. The procedure is to put down the base gasket and o-rings. I use some black sealer on the base gasket around the outer corner studs. This is where the oil flows up to the motor. I use just...
  10. DimitriT

    How to part the cylinder head from the cylinders - stuck gasket - 1980 gs550e

    I have done a few strip downs like this. My most memorable was when I reassembled everything and was standing there admiring my work when I noticed one of the alignment pins which line up the head to the cylinders sitting on my workbench.
  11. DimitriT

    How to part the cylinder head from the cylinders - stuck gasket - 1980 gs550e

    Valves clean up with a brass wire brush wheel. Note: Your new head should come with came shaft caps. You cannot swap those with other heads. And take care not to mix them up in reassembly.
  12. DimitriT

    How to part the cylinder head from the cylinders - stuck gasket - 1980 gs550e

    Just so we can pass this along to the next guy.. what was the issue? And don't be embarrassed. We've all been there.
  13. DimitriT

    How to part the cylinder head from the cylinders - stuck gasket - 1980 gs550e

    Rubber mallet. Several good whacks on hard flat areas all around. Especially upwardly directly blows.
  14. DimitriT

    problem idling during warmup

    Well.. one strip down later and the compression readings are now: #1 135 #2 120 #3 120 #4 120 This was right after the head went one when it was cold so there might have been a little oil left over after reassembly. The bike runs alot smoother now and there's at least 20% more power. But it...
  15. DimitriT

    who's replaced their cam chain?

    I dug up the service limit. It says 20 pitch length at 6.213 inches. I'm guessing that's the same as measuring between the #3 and #2 arrows on the cams. Next time I have the valve cover off I'll put my caliper to use.
  16. DimitriT

    who's replaced their cam chain?

    What's wrong with a rivet link? You might need to peen in down a little to make sure it clears everything. A properly done rivet link seems pretty strong.
  17. DimitriT

    who's replaced their cam chain?

    I noticed my timing mark is a bit off compared to the exhaust cam position and I guess it must be stretch in the cam chain. The bike has 43K miles and although it runs well I'm wondering at what point I should consider replacing it. How tough a job is this? Do I need to strip down the top end...
  18. DimitriT

    Intake Manifolds

    I have never heard of this. The parts fiche lists only one type of intake. Could you maybe take some pictures and put them up so we can see what you have.
  19. DimitriT

    Volt meter recommendations

    The smallest Voltmeter I was able to find was this unit. It is about 1.44 inches across and 1 inch deep. http://amzn.com/B00LUMIQJO This worked out for my GS550L which has no room around the instrument cluster. I fabricated a bracket out of 1/8 inch aluminum so I could mount it to the bar...
  20. DimitriT

    Did I bust anything? Engine won't turn plea for assistance.

    Is it possible the timing chain rolled over itself and wedged the crank? Is there tension on the chain even with the tensioner off? Have you tried turning the crank in reverse to see if you might free the chain? <cornish beat me to it>
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