hi-temp RTV

[scottsgs]

has any one here used hi-temp RTV instead of the rectangular o-ring under the head gasket? I'm cheap and also tired of paying 20 bucks for one, when they seem to just disintegrate.

Thanks, scott

By the way this is on an 81 gs850g

[rustybronco]

Nope I haven't. nope I wouldn't...

the one on my 80 '850 didn't disintegrate after thirty years and I can't see why yours would have disintegrated over much less.

[Skateguy50]

rectangular o ring under the head... you mean the base gasket or something smaller?

The head gasket cost like $120 for my 650 and base $20 so think thats what you mean. If you are going in the engine... get the real OEM stuff and do it once... ask me how I know

6k miles on an aftermarket base gasket from a "kit"



I was asked if it was a failure or user error... as I am a noob to this I admit it could have been install error, but it never leaked till 4k miles in so I suspect it was the gasket going on its own. The tear was not from dissaembly either, that was one of the bigger leak areas and the 2" or so piece was MIA.

[Macguyver]

I would not recommend using high temp RTV for replacing any gaskets, o-rings, or other items which have a specific replacement part available.
There are only a few things RTV should be used for when working on your bike, such as cementing the little half-moons on the sides of the cam case.

If you decide to use high temp RTV for anything else, and please trust me on this, you will have to do it again with the right stuff. So you might as well spend the $20, and get the proper piece to save yourself many extra dollars, and time, in the long run. I too feel the need to "just get her running", but if it is not done right, it may cost you more than you imagine.

Now I don't want to come off sounding "holier than thou", but please, for your own safety, do it the proper way. I would be saddenned to hear about how you had an unplanned get-off because your engine leaked out all of the oil and siezed while doing 100MPH.

[rustybronco]

rectangular o ring under the head... you mean the base gasket or something smaller?

http://www.alpha-sports.com/spst/1980%20GS850G/12.gif
item# 8 in the drawing.

[Nessism]

Lots of OE automotive engines are built these days using RTV instead of gaskets. The RTV used is different than the common stuff available at auto parts stores though - ooze out doesn't break off in chunks and plug up internal passages. Gluing on a cover makes servicing difficult in the future so keep this in mind, and many GS covers lack pry points. I've also heard people mention that some covers, like the clutch or maybe the stator, take the gasket thickness into account with the design so leaving out the gasket could cause problems. All that said, using RTV is not a good substitute for the square O-ring. Suzuki is rapping us on the cost of that stupid O-ring (more than $20) but it's a necessary part so what to do? Oh, and aftermarket gaskets suck so please stay clear unless you want to practice rebuilding your engine.

[scottsgs]

I broke down and bought the o-ring to do the job right. I just can't pony up 28 and change to buy ti through Alpha Sports(he's only 15 miles from me). Instead I found one at another Suzuki dealer who had one in a kit for a 550L.

Scott

[Skateguy50]

http://www.alpha-sports.com/spst/1980%20GS850G/12.gif
item# 8 in the drawing.

Ahh thanks, mine doesnt have that extra one so guess I got lucky on that.

http://www.alpha-sports.com/spst/1983%20GS650G/12.gif

Also I concur about not buying aftermarket... I really didnt want to be in the engine AGAIN after only 6k miles. While I am here this time using all OEM gaskets I am doing the springs, and valve seals.