GS550 cyclinder head question - metal plugs on the sides

[charlie27]

Hi,

on each side of the cylinder head there are 2 round metal plugs (about 0.250" dia)below the round covers. It looks like one is leaking oil on my bike. What is the deal with them?

how would a leak there be repaired?

thanks

[ukjules]

Can you send a pic ? Of location ?

[charlie27]

1982-Suzuki-GS550-M-Cylinder-Head-Valves-Cam.jpg

Can you send a pic ? Of location ?

see red circle - thanks

[Nessism]

Those plugs seal the ends of an oil flow passage. You need to remove the leaking plug and find a new one. A threaded type may be easiest to locate.

[ukjules]

How do you remove them ? ( unscrew ? )

[Nessism]

How do you remove them ? ( unscrew ? )

Pretty sure they are press fit. To remove them you would have to drill them out or maybe drill into them making a hole, insert a sheet metal screw, then use the screw to lever them out. If that fails insert a screwdriver or prybar through the hole in the plug and lever them out that way.

[hampshirehog]

They are a press fit. Before doing anything try giving the plug a sharp smack with a hammer, using a socket the same size as the plug (hit the socket to hit the plug - I'm not explaining this very well...).

[zuzu]

They are a press fit. Before doing anything try giving the plug a sharp smack with a hammer, using a socket the same size as the plug (hit the socket to hit the plug - I'm not explaining this very well...).

Is that to try and reseal it?

[Nessism]

Is that to try and reseal it?

Why else would you want to smack it?

If the plug is bottomed out against some step in the passage then pounding it inward could cause it to pucker outward. If there is no step you could wind up driving the plug inside the internal passage though. Worth a try...

[hampshirehog]

I'm pretty sure the plug has a slight taper on it. I've never pulled one out to check but I've tapped a couple with a hammer to stop precisely that leak and it's worked.

[charlie27]

Thanks understand the idea of hitting to expand and seal
i will try the easy stuff first