compression diminishes to nothing from 1 to 4

[mike_of_bbg]

Those always seem a bit off on the 550s that I've seen pictures of - and mine. Maybe it's wear to the forward chain guide or chain stretch? If it were a whole tooth counter-clockwise what would probably way too far. The T mark looks a degree or two counter-clockwise to the timing mark. It would probably line up better if dead on.

[Paul's Zuki]

I think your timing is on OK. Like I said, gssuzuki.com has the OEM rings for $25 per set +S/H, or about $26 each at DeLand Suzuki: both pretty good discount OEM sources.

oh yeah, sorry about that. I googled and got something else, then just typed like you did and it turned up. thanks ordering tonight.

[Paul's Zuki]

should I hone the bore again?

[Nessism]

The spacing between the cams looks correct, but isn't the #1 on the exhaust cam one tooth up from the head's top surface? The arrow should be flush?

Agree. Exhaust cam might have to come down one tooth.

[chef1366]

That's a tough one
The cam notches are perfectly facing each other.

[sparki]

should I hone the bore again?

no.... only reason to hone in this case is to break the glaze.... and as this motor hasn't run, or even if it had been started, the hone marks will still be visible.... so no reason to do that

get an oem base gasket while you're there. little cost for complete peace of mind....

[Paul's Zuki]

Agree. Exhaust cam might have to come down one tooth.

You know before all these issues and when I came to timing everything right the very first time, I did notice that it could come down what I thought one more notch but then the arrow just went past the head's top surface. I will try again when I reassemble to see what that does.

[Paul's Zuki]

Well, I ordered those rings and new gaskets a few days ago and hopefully they come in this weekend so I can work on it some. I really do hope that putting in the wrongs rings was causing the low compression. we'll see. I'll keep you guys posted.

[mike_of_bbg]

I think you're OK on the timing. See this thread for some similar photos:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=173708&highlight=gs550+camshaft+timing

Make sure you're dead on with the T mark: it looks a tad off there in the counterclockwise direction, which is going to raise the arrow a tiny bit off the head.

IIRC there are 32 teeth on the cam sprockets. Moving that one tooth is an 11 degree difference.

[chef1366]

Well, I ordered those rings and new gaskets a few days ago and hopefully they come in this weekend so I can work on it some. I really do hope that putting in the wrongs rings was causing the low compression. we'll see. I'll keep you guys posted.

I'm positive it would.
You'll be up and running with the right rings.

[Sunburn]

Damn, what drama, i've just reviewed this from start to finish. I hope to read about a running motor soon. Keep working at it!

[Paul's Zuki]

Yeah, me too. Just waiting on those damn rings and gaskets.

[Paul's Zuki]

Okay, finally, I'm getting those rings in. There was some delay in ordering. Should have them by Friday and I will start to reasseble to attempt to turn on.

[Flyboy]

Shame Paul, I feel for you, you have the patience of a saint and some true grit, I really hope to see you fire it up shortly.

[Paul's Zuki]

Good News! Good News! Good News!

Got the piston (standard rings this time) last night and installed reassembled the top end. I still need to get carburetors installed, which I know are perfectly cleaned and delivering fuel flawlessly. My compression across all 4 cylinders is between 125-130, and I've yet to seat the piston rings by running it hard. that will be today once i get her on.

The Black Dahlia will live again!!!

story behind my bikes name: Elizabeth Short ( a.k.a The Black Dahlia) was a brunette who was an aspiring actress that was the victim of a gruesome murder in which she was chopped up. This is were it gets a little demented. I interpreted the name to my bike as follows. My tins are painted a bronzemist that to me resembles a brunette along with a nice brown handstiched leather seat (Brunette). And,, my GS550 went thru a chop and rebuild. She's been all chopped up. See the resemblence.

Anyways, thanks to all who have helped with the troubleshooting and I will not forget you guys. I will post photos soon of the finished product and even a video of her running.