1978 GS1000 Engine Rebuild - Where do I start?

[Guest]

Does anyone have any good links or guides for where I should begin tearing down, cleaning, and rebuilding a '78 GS1000 Engine?
I was going to start right off with the service manual. Is that a good idea or is there any particular teardown on this site that walks through some caveats that the bike may have?

Thanks!

[terrylee]

Go by the manual, but there is a great u tube 4-5 part on how to rebuild gs 550. Sorry I'm not good at pasting stuff. But if you put in gs 550 engine rebuild it will come up under u tube. terrylee

[1978]

Thanks terrylee! I will definitely look for that video series and if I find it I will link it in this post.

[Big T]

Valve cover breather

Why are you tearing it down?

Leaking oil?

[1978]

Just thought I'd tear down at least the top end to clean it and also get it painted and zinc coated. Not leaking oil. Do you think it's too ambitious to try to tear it down? Been sitting for 10+ years although I did get it to start once just the other day.

[Flatline_Racing]

I would check valve clearances and rebuild the carbs. That should be all the girl needs unless she has been severely neglected.

[1978]

Thanks for the advice! I bet you're right that is probably all it needs to start. But it has been left outside :\ lot of pitting on the engine

[Big T]

1878

You should be aware that tearing down a 1000 is going to run you $500-1,000 for gaskets, seals, cam chain slippers and all of the minor stuff

I'm with Flatline - just get a valve cover gasket, check the valves, clean the carbs and see how it runs. You can scrub or soda blast the motor to make it pretty after that.

[1978]

Okay thanks Big T! I figured it would be about as much for various parts for a teardown. Thank you for the advice!