78' GS 750 cylinder head gasket???

[Coady]

question: Can this be done with the fuel tank still attached??

No. Lift up the seat. Remove the bolt at the back of the tank holding it to the frame - it's just in front of the battery box. Pull the two hoses off the petcock - a little fuel will come out of the bigger one, so I normally have a rag handy. Then grab the tank on either side and pull back gently whilst taking the weight/lifting it at the same time. If its tight raise the back of the tank an inch and wiggle the front loose. Don't pull too hard of you may scratch the underside.

You may also have to remove the horn.

I would really recommend getting a manual. Check Basscliff's website for down-loadable versions. The GS850 is the most comprehensive and most of the specifaications and procedures are the same as the 750.

[MisterCinders]

BassCliff has a GS 750 service manual in the collection.

[drummered]

You guys rock. I'm jumping in head first to try out my mechanic skills! I've heard of folks using gasket sealer before replacing the gasket...is this very necessary?

[MisterCinders]

DOn't bother with sealer on the valve cover gasket. You don't want that stuff getting into the oil, and the pressure in that gasket is not likely to pass the gasket with properly cleaned surfaces and appropriate bolt pressure.

[drummered]

so i was going along with removing the cylinder head cover and I stripped 5 of the side cover screws...
HELP! will i have to drill these out because they are rusted tight and thats after 4 treatments of the blaster stuff the is supposed to get the screw free

[drummered]

Nevermind... solved the problem with a little trip to Lowes. lol

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Have you gone over this?

Valve Adjustments (8 Valve) (PDF file)
(Note: If a bass player can do it, I'm sure a drummer can. )

You should also have an impact driver in your tool set. That would have come in handy on those cam end cover screws.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[drummered]

I'm actually a bit intimidated to mess with things like measuring plates and shims. The gasket is basically glued to the head so I've been a dull knife all day and only got half of the cylinder head gasket off. Tomorrow is a new day though!

[terrylee]

If you are wanting to replace the stripped screws you need metric ones, not standard, unless you're going to rethread the holes. terrylee

[keman]

Don't forget to change the oil. No telling how much of that gasket is now down inside your engine.

[drummered]

Thanks for all the help guys, I put it all back together (thanks terry for the heads up on the metric screws, that would have been a total n00b mistake) and I'm happy to report no leaks! This was the first engine work I've ever done in my life so even though it was simply changing a gasket, I feel my manliness has doubled! Next is removal of the front wheel to have it sent off to be re spoked!

[JayWB]

You should look into getting a new set of Phillips screwdrivers too. You're undoubtedly using standard U.S. Philips screwdrivers, and they just don't work very well on Japanese Phillips screws. That's why you're stripping the heads off all your screws. There are a lot more screws on your bike you'll have to deal with, get the right tool for the job.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-tools/jis-screwdrivers/