'81 GS550T - replacing cyl head gasket & re-using rubber bits

[sacruickshank]

I'm re-assembling the cyl head on my GS550T and have a few questions on re-using various bits. I bought an aftermarket gasket kit which has most of the necessary bits.

I've had the bike for several months and have heard it run briefly, but the rpms spiked quickly and I didn't want to run it cold at high rpm, so I shut it down and started pulling things apart.

The bike has 8000 miles, at least according to the odometer. Cylinder walls look and feel smooth, so that's a plus. There's evidence of non-factory sealant, so some previous owner had the engine apart.

Specific questions are:
1. The original head gasket looks intact, but I assume it's still better to use the one from the gasket kit. I'd rather not pay $130 for a head gasket on a bike that cost me $200.
2. There are 4 rubber washers in the corner of the existing head gasket that were likely integrated with the original head gasket since they do not show as separate parts on the partzilla list. They are a little beaten up, can I re-use them? Should I find orings to put in there instead?
3. The gasket kit did not include the center oring around the timing chain. The original one looks decent, i.e not overly flattened. I place to re-use rather than spend $30+ for OEM. Should I re-apply some sealant, like Permatex copper ultra?

Any input? Thx and pic of the bits mentioned in #2 for reference.
PXL_20210822_161023054.jpg

[tom203]

Everything I’ve read on here indicates that aftermarket head and base gaskets are risky.
i bought a few genuine oem gaskets from this CT guy....have you stumbled across him?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Suzuki-Cylinder-Head-BASE-tensioner-Gasket-SET-GS550-GS550E-1977-1982-/174451692072?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

[sacruickshank]

Everything I’ve read on here indicates that aftermarket head and base gaskets are risky.
i bought a few genuine oem gaskets from this CT guy....have you stumbled across him?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Suzuki-...-127632-2357-0

Thanks I was not aware of that option. Still debating in my head if I risk it and use the one from the kit. It's far from my only bike, so if it happens to blow I can always redo it over the winter. Plus, this is far from a show bike. More like weathered, patina with a smattering of residual rattle can.

[cowboyup3371]

It is in your best long-term work interest to replace all gaskets with Suzuki parts. Properly maintaining these bikes requires money and trying to skimp just because you only paid $200 for the bike isn't going to give you a good working machine that will last. If you don't want to spend the required amounts, get a newer bike that doesn't require the work.

[Grimly]

What he said.^^^^^^^^^^
Even if somebody gave you a old snotter of a bike for free, you'd be looking at the thick end of a thousand bucks / quid / spondoolicks to get it back on the road by the time you replace all the time and owner-damaged parts to make the thing safe and rideable again, as well as reliable.

Somebody on here has a signature - There is no such thing as a cheap motorcycle. That's true even if you already own it.

[phydeauxmutt]

Any used motorcycle is going to run you at least $2 per cc. Since you only paid $200, that means that you have $900 to get it running correctly. OEM gaskets are not the place to cheap out. Yeah, you might save a few bucks by tking a chance on an aftermarket set, but look at the REAL cost when you have to take it apart to do it AGAIN with OEM gaskets.

I can't tell you how many times I have seen it posted on here, "any shortcuts taken are just another opportunity to do it over and do it RIGHT".

[sacruickshank]

thanks all. OEM gasket on order from link provided earlier in thread.

[sacruickshank]

What he said.^^^^^^^^^^
Even if somebody gave you a old snotter of a bike for free, you'd be looking at the thick end of a thousand bucks / quid / spondoolicks to get it back on the road by the time you replace all the time and owner-damaged parts to make the thing safe and rideable

Agreed, although maybe not $1000. I picked up a backyard CX500 with rotted out exhaust for $25 and now have it reliably roadworthy for $550 all in.

[Buffalo Bill]

If you got the head off: take the valves out, clean and lap them, do a port cleaning, Check the springs too.

[sacruickshank]

If you got the head off: take the valves out, clean and lap them, do a port cleaning, Check the springs too.

already done

[sacruickshank]

UPDATE - Well that's frustrating. I bought the OEM head gasket from the ebay vendor as recommended in the thread, got distracted for a week or so, then opened the package today to find a bent and delaminated gasket. I trust the aftermarket gasket more than this one.

plus it's not the exact right one since it doesn't have the hole in front where the bolt goes through.

PXL_20210905_155034714.jpg