Oil Leak From Cylinder Block Stud

[jaydub88]

I recently bought a 1980 gs850 and just got it running tonight. After a few tears down my back alley I pulled it in and could hear a gurgling sound. There were small bubbles of oil coming from where the front left visible cylinder stud goes through the last fin of the cylinder block and into the crankcase. Does the cylinder base gasket need replacing, or is it possible for the studs to leak crankcase pressure?

[tom203]

Make sure oil is not overfilled -crankcase pressure should be minimal, as the breather on top of valve cover relieves it. Leaky base gasket maybe- I'm clueless as to how oil gets fed up to cams, but someone will know.
What work have you done?

[Nessism]

Leaking base gasket. Time for a tear down.

FYI:

1) OEM Suzuki gaskets are far superior to aftermarket brands.

2) Whenever this type of work in undertaken it's strongly advised to replace all the seals in the top end, including the valve stem seals.

3) Many people replace piston rings while the top end is apart.

[jaydub88]

Ok thanks ill double check the levels tonight. i haven't done much yet just pulled carbs apart and cleaned things up as they were pretty sludged up. I plan on heading towards making it a bobber but i want to make sure the motor is good to go before i start. Any suggestions on a good place to order gaskets from? I've seen full sets on bike barn and ebay?

[bellucci]

Read the previous post for gaskets... OEM.
Curt

[Homie]

I'm clueless as to how oil gets fed up to cams, but someone will know

In the 4V 1100 motor, oil is fed up to the head along the four corner studs. The hole in the block and head is larger than the stud and the oil flows around the stud. In the head four oil passages are cross-drilled from the stud holes to the cam journal supports. I'm not 100% sure, but I assume the same basic oiling system design is used in your engine too. The stud from where you observed the leak is one of the ones that is pressurized with oil flowing up to the head. The only cure is to replace the base gasket with a quality OEM one.

[jaydub88]

Thanks for the info. As for the gasket set its looking like ill need to order online because nobody around here (including the local suzuki shop) can get me an OEM one. Is there a difference in gaskets for an 850g and 850l of the same year? How about previous/following years (79 or 81)?

[tom203]

In the 4V 1100 motor, oil is fed up to the head along the four corner studs. The hole in the block and head is larger than the stud and the oil flows around the stud. In the head four oil passages are cross-drilled from the stud holes to the cam journal supports. I'm not 100% sure, but I assume the same basic oiling system design is used in your engine too. The stud from where you observed the leak is one of the ones that is pressurized with oil flowing up to the head. The only cure is to replace the base gasket with a quality OEM one.

Thanks, I knew someone could explain it- I'm hoping to never have to discover it on mine!

[jaydub88]

Are there any engine differences between the gs850g and the gs 850l? Also if anyone knows of a reliable supplier of oem gaskets for this beast that i can order from?

[tom203]

You definitely want genuine suzuki gaskets based on what I've read here. Basscliff has link to vendors- see below.
Sometimes, you can find suzuki gaskets on ebay ( closed down shop inventory, surplus, etc.), but you have to get lucky and be patient, Why not try a local suzuki dealer- if you have one.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/GSR_Greeting.html

[jaydub88]

Ok thanks I'll check out the link. I tried the local suzuki dealer and they can only get me the Athenia aftermarket set.

[Nessism]

Ok thanks I'll check out the link. I tried the local suzuki dealer and they can only get me the Athenia aftermarket set.

Time to learn how to research parts.

This link is to a OEM parts retailer, unfortunately one of the most expensive, that has a very nice parts fishe...http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

Learn to look up parts for your bike and find the part number. The gasket kits are in the "Optional" tab. The part number is 11402-45840

Unfortunately, this kit is really expensive. This dealer is cheaper and one of the forum favorites...http://www.boulevardsuzuki.com/fiche...SUZUKI&srt=mdl

You can also try ebay for gaskets...but only buy original equipment type. You don't actually need a complete gasket kit, just the top end gaskets and valve stem seals. The GS1000 and 850 share the head gasket so you might expand your search.

If you want to take a flyer, get that Athena kit but supplement it with an OEM base gasket and maybe valve cover. Personally though, I'd spring the money for the real Suzuki gaskets.

Good luck

[jaydub88]

Thank you for your help ill hopefully get some pics up soon!