'78 GS1000 valve cover gasket

[Guest]

This is the 1st time I received the wrong gasket with 4 other different GS models that I've purchased from the dealer. They list it as the correct one for that year and model, but obviously from the pics you can see they don't match. I will be taking both the gasket and cover in with me on Moday to exchange, but wondered if anyone with the '78 model had the same problem? Same 16 bolt pattern but different layout by the cam chain...and yes, the pics are not orientated the same way but you get the idea.

[alocker]

I can't say I have had a problem but it looks like it would work. Maybe take a pic with the gasket laying in the cover.

[chef1366]

The cam chain tunnel is wrong. The gasket is cut at an angle and the cover is straight.

[lurch12_2000]

I can't say I have had a problem but it looks like it would work. Maybe take a pic with the gasket laying in the cover.

Well, it does look right at first and I thought so when I bought it. I found it didn't match when I put it on the bike getting ready to re-assemble things after my valve adjustments. Look closely at the center camshaft contour and you'll see that there would be close to 2" of surface on each side that wouldn't have a gasket sealing it and would leak all over. My service manual shows the same contour as my bike, so I assume at this point that they(dealer) listed it wrong.

[alocker]

I gotcha. Your solution is probably the best, just bring the cover in or return it and shop elsewhere.

FYI I have a new one coming in the mail for my 78 also. If it fits I will post the correct Suzuki PN.

[lurch12_2000]

BTW, Here's a pic from Z1enterprises' web site for this model/yr. Matches my cover.

http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=2910

...but, the local dealer has been very good to me for the last 3 yrs with comparable prices, so I'll try to work it out with them on Monday.
Just annoyed that I lost a weekend....as if I'm going to ride much with freezing rain/snow in the next week

[koolaid_kid]

Babbittsonline only lists one part number for all the 1000's, just like Z1 does, but in the OEM version: 11173-49001
Their picture does not show the shape of the gasket, so IDK.

[lurch12_2000]

Good news...stopped on my way to work and the dealer apoplogized for giving me the wrong gasket (incorrect part#) and even had the correct one in stock for an even exchange. I'm happy, since it still cost less than online prices plus shipping and no wait on ordering the part. This may run contrary to a lot of your experiences with dealers for these old GSes, but Freedom Cycle's part dept. in Concord, NH has been excellent to deal with for the last 3 years for my vintage GS bikes.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

It's great to see a dealership give these classic bikes (and their riders) the respect and service they show the newer machines. I'm glad it worked out.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff