Suzuki GS450 Crank Case breather?

[Guest]

Hi guys. Sorry for the noob question as I am new to the beast world I have a gs450 which leaks oil out the front part of the engine and I suspect that somehow the crank case breather has been blocked which is causing this issue. I have heard that there is a crank case breather hole somewhere on top of the engine but couldn't locate it until I found a big bolt on top of the engine of that leaking bike. Here is a picture:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zdvxm88t5h5qgvc/IMG_20140303_080914.jpg

Is this the place where there is supposed to be a breather installed? If yes then what do I do after removing this bolt tightened up here by the previous owner?

[Steve]

NO, that is NOT the breather.

To locate the breather, look up at the top of the engine. Yep, right up under the fuel tank. On top of the valve cover is a T-shaped cover that has a nipple on the back side. There should be a hose running from that nipple to the top-front side of the airbox.

Part #7 in this picture:



.

[safwan.khan]

Thanks Steve! So now that I have an issue with this part, can you please tell me how do I install oil separator screens into this breather adjustment? I have to make them using a wire gauze myself so need a little guidance

NO, that is NOT the breather.

To locate the breather, look up at the top of the engine. Yep, right up under the fuel tank. On top of the valve cover is a T-shaped cover that has a nipple on the back side. There should be a hose running from that nipple to the top-front side of the airbox.

Part #7 in this picture:



.

[Steve]

I have never really paid any attention to the size of the screens, but could probably measure one, if necessary.

Not sure about your 450, but my 850s have four screens. Two are above the gasket, wedged in the cover, the other two are below the gasket, wedged into the cavity in the cylinder head cover.

I don't think there is anything critical about the size of these items. The ones I have seem to be folded to size, then put into place, giving them several thicknesses of screen material for the vapors to pass through.

.

[safwan.khan]

Thanks again Steve for the response. The problem here is that before I fit these handmade screens, there was only minimal oil leak from the breather hose after long trips however after fitting the screens, the front part of the bike leaks oil like a fountain gone mad. Here you can see this:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xlnnl2h8m2...302_202542.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/idojzt4hsf...302_202528.jpg

I just replaced her gaskets and don't think that there could be a gasket leak this early without the breather getting blocked.

I have never really paid any attention to the size of the screens, but could probably measure one, if necessary.

Not sure about your 450, but my 850s have four screens. Two are above the gasket, wedged in the cover, the other two are below the gasket, wedged into the cavity in the cylinder head cover.

I don't think there is anything critical about the size of these items. The ones I have seem to be folded to size, then put into place, giving them several thicknesses of screen material for the vapors to pass through.

.

[eil]

Even if there is a blocked crank case breather (which doesn't sound likely), fixing it would not solve a leak that large.

When you replaced the gaskets, did you use Suzuki gaskets or aftermarket ones? The aftermarket gaskets are poor quality and are known to leak.

Try cleaning up the engine and running it for a bit to see if you can figure out where it's leaking from. I'm sorry to say this, but it sounds like you will be replacing the gaskets again.

[safwan.khan]

I fixed it. The problem turned out to be a cracked head cover. The cover was leaking oil down the front end of the engine which was dripping down along the exhausts all the way back with air pressure and pooling in the exhaust mufflers. I got the cover welded and slapped it back together with a new gasket with added silicon sealant and now that bike is running fine again. And yes there was no problem with the breather so rightly pointed out! Thanks a lot for the help

Even if there is a blocked crank case breather (which doesn't sound likely), fixing it would not solve a leak that large.

When you replaced the gaskets, did you use Suzuki gaskets or aftermarket ones? The aftermarket gaskets are poor quality and are known to leak.

Try cleaning up the engine and running it for a bit to see if you can figure out where it's leaking from. I'm sorry to say this, but it sounds like you will be replacing the gaskets again.

[eil]

Great, happy to hear you got it fixed!

[ruler7171]

Sorry to hijack the post

I just got some OEM Suzuki gaskets in for my GS450. Are they sufficient on their own or do you add any type of sealant?

[safwan.khan]

I just got some OEM Suzuki gaskets in for my GS450. Are they sufficient on their own or do you add any type of sealant?

I normally use silicon sealant with gaskets. It forms a rubber like texture when it dries up, making sure there is a good seal every time.