78 550 cylenders

[boba]

ok, i i have all my parts to do the top end of my 550,except... when ordering parts i didnt get 4 orings for the bottom of the cylenders. i only have 3 now the other should be here someday. anyway it looks like they dont match up with anything, they just fit around the bottom of the cylenders. maybe sealing the cast iron to the aluminum? do i even need to replace them?

how do you post a pic on here?

[chef1366]

There should be a ring at the bottom of each cylinder where the o-ring fits. You need to dig out the old ones.

[boba]

There should be a ring at the bottom of each cylinder where the o-ring fits. You need to dig out the old ones.

yes, but are they something that have a vital function and have to be replaced?

[TheCafeKid]

Yes, if they werent vital, they wouldnt be in there.
Lesson number one on a motorcycle engine rebuild: There ARE no un-needed/extra parts...

[chef1366]

I've heard no but I replaced mine. Suzuki put them there for some reason.

[psyguy]

maybe sealing the cast iron to the aluminum?

exactly

the seals are needed due to the different heat expansion rate for the two materials - and oil from the crankcase finding its way inbetween the two