1981 GS 550T- my first project

[tkent02]

Why? With six or eight bikes needing oil the difference in $12 per quart and $12 per gallon adds up. The five gallon buckets are even cheaper. It also goes in every car I have, can't be bothered with keeping different oils for every engine.

It's just as good in a motorcycle as moto oil, just not so overpriced.

You have my permission to buy expensive motorcycle oil if you wish.

 

[Ton1959]

I prefer a 10W40 as it is better with lower temperatures. But it is a choice. The cost of oil is nothing compared to all the other bits and petrol that is required.

 

[Dj66]

The diesel oil still has the zinc in the additive package,that is helpful with a non roller type valve actuation. Old style automotive flat tappet cams also need this and you can see how,at least at that juncture in the valve train,they are similar to what we have.

 

[cowboyup3371]

so with my impact i can get the outter most screws out on my intake boots. how the hell do you get the inner ones out without the intake? they seem to be on there pretty well.

As i was taking the clutch cable off yesterday i noticed that the spring that is attached to it was broke so i am happy to have found that and i cleaned the inside of the case off. that was full of gunk.

another question. when i pull parts out of the carb dip do i rinse them off with warm water and let air dry? Thanks.

The inner screws will come out with the impact if you have the airbox out and can get just enough of a whack on it. If not, take a dremel and cut a straight slot in the screw. Using a flat bladed screw driver or small chisel, whack on the left side of the newly slotted screw in a downward motion (so to the left to loosen) just enough to get it to turn. You'll want to replace them after.

As far drying the carbs off, I take my air compressor to blow them dry as best as possible.

And to the other who asked about the diesel oil, add one more voice to the pile - been using it my bike since I was first told about it a few years ago and haven't seen any major issues caused by it. It has the JASO-MA stamp just like regular motor oil but costs much less than motorcycle oil

 

[Ton1959]

One knock with the smallest chisel is enough to undo the screws from the intake boots.

 

[signguy35]

here finally is my bike. it is pretty much down to frame and motor and wheels. still waiting on some parts and free time.

 

[signguy35]

Do i have to treat my Orings that go on the intake boots with something before i install them? THanks.

 

[Mista M]

Wow, that bike is clean, congrats.

Ton-I run diesel oil in my sv and other bikes. I am in no way easy on them either, 37k miles on the SV, no slippage. Original clutches, no harsh gear changes.
Like Tkent said, I have 5 bikes, and do multiple oil changes a year on a bike, rather spend the money on tires.

Signguy-You can dab a bit of silicon grease on the orings if you like. I do as a force of habit on all orings.

 

[Morrison]

I heard from an old timer vtwin guy that ill need oil thats for air cooled engines..

 

[signguy35]

is this the right sized o ring for the intake boot? i thought i ordered the larger one but i could have been mistaken? is it suppose to stretch a bit to go in or just lay in? Thanks.

 

[GateKeeper]

did you get the O rings from www.cycleorings.com

here are the intake ones and sizes are there as well

http://www.cycleorings.com/intake.html

.

 

[signguy35]

i did. i just reviewed my order and i guess i got 32MM.

it looks like i need the 38MM is that correct?

 

[GateKeeper]

it's what I am reading....

81-83 650's use 38mm O-rings and 16mm screws.
80-82 550's " "

 

[signguy35]

damn, gonna have to send a email

 

[signguy35]

i need to get a new petcock for my bike. it looks like Z1 enterprises is sold out for now on what i need. where is the next best place to get what i need? Thanks.

 

[signguy35]

This past weekend i was able to get the carbs put back in. I put on the brand new battery and added some fuel to the tank. Switched the petcock to prime and waited a bit. i felt the bowls on the carbs and it seemed that they were getting cooler from the gas entering them. switched the petcock to on and tried to start. It would turn over but never fire. i pulled the spark plugs, which are new, and they are clean and no fuel smell from them. i checked spark and we are ok there. It does seem that there is a high pitched hiss coming after the first second of hitting the start button. I could hear it but my dad couldnt, who has bad hearing anyway, and after a bit i was thinking a vacuum leak maybe? would that prevent gas to get to the cylinder? im kinda stumped and bummed i could not get the bike to start on saturday. what do you think is up? Thanks.