1978 Suzuki gs550 Difficult to remove cylinder head

[Steve]

And as far as comments re Eric: Seems some of you guys are pretty good at slinging the hate. The guy has more real world information than even he admits. Furthermore, he has been a resource both on this forum and by telephone and emails etc. to dozens of folks here. And yes, he has even hooked up his trailer to his Suburban and headed out to rescue some sorry assed folks with their broken down GS machines.

If only some of that wonderfulness continued into his written word here. There are some rather compelling reasons that he has been banned several times, and continues to come back, trying to disguise himself. However, eventually he slips up a bit and shows some evidence relating to who he really is.

Yes, I know someone who has met him personally and has been helped by him. In fact, Eric went out of his way to provide shop space, tools and even a few parts for the somewhat stranded traveller. But that does not even come close to balancing out what has spewed from his keyboard.

And Steve, we know you are a decent guy most of the time. But, when you get a hate on, you just become an a$$ hole.

And you would know this ... how?? You have not seen me with "a hate on". Neither have you met me. However, if you would like the opportunity, we are planning a trip out West next summer, maybe we can swing far enough south to meet up.

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[earlfor]

GSX1000E is Eric Bang. The guy that's been banned from the GSR at least two different occasions. Anything Steve says or implies regarding Eric's behavior is warranted in my view.

SIX times Ed.

[administrator]

And I am going to stick my nose into this conversation...

Yes, I have no doubt that Eric has been helpful to forum members. While that may be true there are real reasons that he has been banned in the past. While I won't go into details, let's just say that he has a tendency of "going off the rails". While I understand that everyone can have a bad day, this certainly wasn't the case when he was banned.

So yes, I know that he is back in the forum. While I know that he can be helpful to some of the folks around here, he is still being watched. Unfortunately, just as in real life, people with a history fall under greater scrutiny than most others.

Frank

[Nessism]

Okay then, Frank has spoken. I'm glad he is aware of Eric's presence. Personally, I think it's okay for Eric to hang out as long as he contributes in a positive way. No different from anyone else I suppose. It's good for all of us to be kind to others and not assume too much.

[Brendan W]

It's probably off by now. If not, I don't like hitting heads. I prefer to put old studs in the exhaust ports, get a bit of wood under them and use a jack to put some load on the head and leave it over night. Downward blows with a rubber mallet can help.
Then there is the old rope trick. You feed a bit of rope into the spark plug hole and spin the starter until it stops. Rewind and hit it again. I know this works on older cast iron motors. I wonder if anyone here has heard of it being used successfully on bikes.

[rustybronco]

No I haven't heard of feeding rope into the cylinders, but do you think of removing the nuts from the cylinder studs and chucking about 120 P.S.I into a couple four cylinders set on t.d.c. with the valves closed? Might try that myself someday.

[Brendan W]

Might want to leave the nuts on.

[linguini]

The head is still stuck fast. I tried the rope trick, but nothing. I am running out of patience, but do not feel like giving up yet... If I ever get this head off, it will be party time. There is not enough purchase on anything to get it off. I'll have a go if I can get my act together with the studs. In the mean time thanks to all, any more ideas ? keep them coming.

[earlfor]

The head is still stuck fast. I tried the rope trick, but nothing. I am running out of patience, but do not feel like giving up yet... If I ever get this head off, it will be party time. There is not enough purchase on anything to get it off. I'll have a go if I can get my act together with the studs. In the mean time thanks to all, any more ideas ? keep them coming.

There is a 10mm bolt on the head between the #2 and #3 exhaust that must be removed. You can only see the bolt head if you're laying on your back on the floor, with your head between the 2 and 3 header pipes and looking up. do you have that bolt removed?

[linguini]

This bolt has been mentioned before, but it seems mine does not have this. Maybe some of these engines were different. Thanks

[rwnielsen]

I had a similar challenge getting a stuck rotor off recently. I would suggest slowly going around the head, top and bottom, with a good flashlight. Either find the hidden bolt or know for absolute certainty there isn't one. Get a chunk of 2x4, 4 or 5 feet long and find a place where you can wedge it between the head a someplace solid. Someone suggested the intakes. Give it a couple sharp lifts. Watch for potential damage to what you're prying on as well as against. Don't give up.
Good luck
Rich

[Steve]

There is a 10mm bolt on the head between the #2 and #3 exhaust that must be removed.

Earl might have a 10mm bolt on his Bandit, but those of us with mere GSes only have a 6mm bolt there, and not all GSes have it (as noted).

Yes, it might need a 10mm spanner, Earl, but the diameter of the bolt is only 6mm.

.

[linguini]

Its been emotional ! The head is off.
I had soaked the head constantly with WD40, and earlier today during endless smashing of my club hammer on a sturdy lump of wood I pulled on the head and I saw movement, I could hardly believe it.
Another 40 minutes passed before I finally worked out that one of the centre cylinder head studs was stopping me making progress. So a bit of directional hitting did the job and off it came. The Barrels had movement but now I could remove the offending stud, and in so doing, the barrels slipped off.
I have to say this was a challenge, the studs had corroded and I can see that they are exposed in the head so with our crap weather in the UK there had been plenty of contamination. Now that the head is finally off I am pleasantly surprised to see what great condition the motor is in, I do hope things are more smooth from now on.
Thankyou to you all, I felt I needed to complete the job for you guys ! Seriously.

[earlfor]

Earl might have a 10mm bolt on his Bandit, but those of us with mere GSes only have a 6mm bolt there, and not all GSes have it (as noted).

Yes, it might need a 10mm spanner, Earl, but the diameter of the bolt is only 6mm.

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I actually was referring to the size wrench needed to remove it. Wasn't thinking about the true diameter of the bolt itself. LOL I've never had a GS that didn't have that bolt, but then, I haven't had all models. hehe

[Steve]

I actually was referring to the size wrench needed to remove it. Wasn't thinking about the true diameter of the bolt itself. LOL I've never had a GS that didn't have that bolt, but then, I haven't had all models. hehe

Yeah, just trying to clear any possible confusion. Some people refer to the wrench size, other refer to the actual bolt diameter. The "new guys" might not know which one is meant.

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