Engine Gasket Kit

[canuck1969]

Does anyone have a source for a engine gasket kit for a 1981 GS650G with a 16 bolt valve cover. I usually buy from Athena but they don’t make it anymore.

[cowboyup3371]

Buy OEM and you'll not have any problems; trying to buy Athena or the "other" brand can lead to leaks based on other people's experiences here

[nate665]

OEM is best for sure, but I've had good luck with Vesrah as well.

[oldGSfan]

Agree, I have never had any problem on several UJMs running them.

OEM is best for sure, but I've had good luck with Vesrah as well.

[canuck1969]

OEM is best but my experience on my last 4 builds has been positive with Athena or other. Found a set from England. Slim pickings on the 81 models. All good now.

[Nessism]

GOOD LUCK to you.

This is what an Athena base gasket looks like after less than 100 miles on a GS1000.

IMG_1930 by nessism, on Flickr

[nate665]

If you can't find OEM, Z1 stocks Vesrah, not 100% they have your model.

[canuck1969]

I would have to say there was something else at play there. I have used Athena on my last three builds (XS650, CB750 and a KZ750) and have never experienced a failure (not even a wisp of oil) with 1000's of KMs on them. These were all dry applications with no sealant other than a very small smear of grease.

Have seen that before however, even on an OEM gasket. Retorquing when the engine is still hot (or even warm) will do that. It oozes our the gasket material since the clamping force is huge. Just saying........not my experience with those gaskets.

[canuck1969]

Thanks for the heads up. The 81 model is tricky to find even with Vesrah. I managed to find a complete set of NG Leakless gaskets which is part of Nippon and OEM supplier to Honda/Suzuki. Lets just see. I am all for OEM, it is just so much easier and cheaper to get a complete set since this engine will get a total rebuild.

[nate665]

About a month ago I needed a clutch cover gasket, and it was hard to find, so I just bit the bullet and bought a "complete" Vesrah kit. Hopefully this bike (except maybe valve cover gasket) covered for the rest of it's life.

[canuck1969]

I am sure you are good for life. Gasket do actually dry out over time and become brittle. I keep them on the original board they came on and wrap them in Saran Wrap to keep the air out. Keep them out of the sun and you are good for a long time.

[Grimly]

I am sure you are good for life. Gasket do actually dry out over time and become brittle. I keep them on the original board they came on and wrap them in Saran Wrap to keep the air out. Keep them out of the sun and you are good for a long time.

Yep, that's the problem with NOS. Often it's ancient stock from a defunct dealer's back room and might be next to useless.
Been bit by that with genuine Zuk fuel hose.

[grcamna2]

About a month ago I needed a clutch cover gasket, and it was hard to find, so I just bit the bullet and bought a "complete" Vesrah kit. Hopefully this bike (except maybe valve cover gasket) covered for the rest of it's life.

I've had very good results with Vesrah and they are almost as good as OEM Suzuki;I install my gaskets dry after slowly and carefully cleaning both surfaces to be joined and with Vesrah I have been able to re-use their quality gaskets a couple times.
I Really like the OEM Suzuki steel shim head gasket on my previous GS1100ED.

[Grimly]

The last top-end engine gasket set I bought was NE Gaskets from a Polish supplier.
The only let-down so far has been the valve cover gasket, which was thinner than stock and has been replaced with a Vesrah.
Mind you, the base gasket was hard-to-find OEM Suzuki, as I simply didn't want to risk possible sub-standard quality on such a hard-to-get-to part.

[metalfab]

There is always making a gasket, rubber being a lot harder, head gaskets being virtually impossible unless you cut them out of dead soft copper. Laser, or water jet cutting is great, there are people out there doing it for hire. You can hand cut many of the gaskets, you just have to take your time. Be sure and get high quality gasket material, at least you will have a fresh gasket with some effort.