Replacing head gasket 80 gs850

[Guest]

So I will be replacing the head gasket soon...my question is"can it be done with out using ring compressor?" Can you you be crafty enough and pull cylinders off with pistons still in them or is it to much of a pain in the arse? The bike is coming up on 30K and runs fine..no smoking and decent poer. Was just planning on doing gasket set only and seal it back up. I would prefer to wait for a few years before I do any real top end work....

[Nessism]

Ring compressors are optional. There are a number of tricks to make the job of installing the cylinder safe and easy. Researching the job before jumping in is recommended.

When you do the work make sure you get OEM Suzuki gaskets. Aftermarket gasket kits are a gamble at best and downright criminal at worst. And always replace the valve stem seals (and make sure the valve clearance is set properly) when doing this type of work. Taking short cuts are long cuts in the end.

[520eek]

I have the OEM gaskets but not valve stem seals....guess I need those critters as well

[Nessism]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUZUKI-GS1000-GS1100-GS850-GS750-VALVE-SEALS-VITON-/300563959200?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45fb020da0&vxp=mtr

When researching valve stem seals there was a lot of positive feedback about these seals. The Kawasaki KZ guys like them as well as good feedback here too.

[520eek]

Well that was easy enough...thanks!

[robbiem1961]

She may only need the head torqueing down again, new camshaft end caps, oil seals and gaskgets from the head up and "VOILA!" Oil tight engine again, if not,then you can then look at rebuilding her with new head gasket and stuff, but up til then all you have paid out is a little money, time and effort. 30'000 miles for a big gs motor is absolutely nothing, and if she's not knocking, banging, smoking or using oil I would have to say there's not too much wrong with her.
We have managed to refit barrels without piston ring clamps without too many issues, but having said that, if they were available I'd use them,
It's a bitter frosty night out there.

[ShadowFocus603]

She may only need the head torqueing down again, new camshaft end caps, oil seals and gaskgets from the head up and "VOILA!" Oil tight engine again, if not,then you can then look at rebuilding her with new head gasket and stuff, but up til then all you have paid out is a little money, time and effort. 30'000 miles for a big gs motor is absolutely nothing, and if she's not knocking, banging, smoking or using oil I would have to say there's not too much wrong with her.
We have managed to refit barrels without piston ring clamps without too many issues, but having said that, if they were available I'd use them,
It's a bitter frosty night out there.

I second this. I'd loosen the head bolts a turn or two then retorque them to factory specs following the recommended order. Look to BikeCliff's site for a manual if you don't have one (http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/).

[Steve]

Don't just do the head gasket, do the base gasket, too.

When you remove the head, you will inevitably wiggle the cylinders, which will destroy the base gasket.

.

[520eek]

Okay...after much delays the time has come this for this next weekend I have a few extra days off work and will start the process. Bike has been sorta down all this time as I get a few things done here and there at the welding shop. I read the one post about re torquing head.... I have all the gaskets, tools and and time...seems like now is the time to just get it done.

I have an old clymer manual and there is even some illustrations showing a hose clamp being used for ring compressor! Not sure if that is the best idea...but if one were to take their time it just might work fine and dandy!

I will be reviewing that manual and this site over the next few days in preparation for this weekend.

Have I forgot or overlooked anything? LOL

[Steve]

I have an old clymer manual ...

Have I forgot or overlooked anything? LOL

Yes.

Pitch the Clymer manual, go to our library (aka "BassCliff's site"), get a Factory manual for your bike.

.

[Brendan W]

Watching this with interest. Can't ignore mine anymore. Looks like somewhere near exhaust No 2. The motor has been apart before so will be interesting to see what hg was fitted if it's possible to identify it. Shims are all at the thin end so guessing the seats were cut. Tried retightening the head and convinced myself it got better. I'll check again before opening up. So much for getting it out of the way in the colder months

[JTGS850GL]

Seems like, if you're going to all the trouble of pulling the jugs to replace gaskets, it would be a good time to just finish the top end refresh and be done. All you're adding is a new set of rings and hone cylinders. That's assuming the bores are in good shape which I'm betting is the case. Like others have said, replace the valve seals and the base gasket while doing the refresh.

[520eek]

Yes...I was pondering that as I was driving to work. What's a good source for rings?

[520eek]

As I ponder piston rings....would it be safe to bet that I just need stock rings, not any of oversized? From the maintenance I have done and what I can tell, it appears to have never been apart. The bike has 30K on it.

[Nessism]

30k suggests stock rings, but no guarantee. I'm not sure what's the current best parts source, but I bet if you look around on the forum you will get lots of suggestions. Parts Outlaw being one.