1983 gs 850 GL

[Crazy Carlos]

Help!

I'm trying to decide what gasket set to buy. I've found a "Top End Gasket Set" for 62 bucks on ebay and then there's the "Athena Gasket Set" on oldbikebarn.com for 92 or so. I'm a firm believer in the belief that you get what you pay for; I just don't know my stuff when it comes to this kind of thing. Anyone wanna steer me in the right direction here? I'd appreciate any help!

Thanks

Carl

PS re-assembling the front and rear end tomorrow and possibly throwing them back onto the frame! Pictures to come...

[cowboyup3371]

You might want to steer away from OldBikeBarn as it's been pretty rough dealing with them for some of our folks. Read the reviews and deadbeat sections on the forum here about them.

Why not call up Z1 or even Boulevard Suzuki and see what they have to say about a good OEM kit?

[Crazy Carlos]

reassembling

just a bit for now. Gotta get some new swing arm bearings which is gonna be a few days out for those to come in. Here's where we're at:

[DannyMotor]

Looking good! Liking the all-black rims.

[Crazy Carlos]

Chugging along

Slow and steady right? I've been out of work for a mandatory training course so it's been slow. I just got the oem gasket kit from Z1 and will be getting that started next week I think. Here's some photos of the latest. I've been told that I need to sand blast the tank in order for the paint to look even. I'm planning on just painting the tank the same as the frame. Any advice on a different method?

[Crazy Carlos]

September 2012 update

So my dad came up and we tore the engine down. Found a couple of cracked valves but to the best of our knowledge that's really all that needs some real attention. (aside from piston rings and gaskets) Everything else looks salvageable. Z1 can get me the valves for a hefty price 34 and 47 a piece. Anyone know any better places or options to find some valves? here are some pictures!

[Good Times]

Glad you're back at CC!

[7981GS]

So my dad came up and we tore the engine down. Found a couple of cracked valves but to the best of our knowledge that's really all that needs some real attention. (aside from piston rings and gaskets)
Everything else looks salvageable. Z1 can get me the valves for a hefty price 34 and 47 a piece. Anyone know any better places or options to find some valves?

Have you tried APE or have Manley or Ferrea make some custom valves?
(Larger intakes and stock exhaust.)
Or http://www.boulevardsuzuki.com/fiche...1982&fveh=2144
Or a used head.

The custom-made valves will actually cost less than stock parts.
The used head will save even more.

Eric

[Crazy Carlos]

I have another question... Looking at this photo, which is a glimpse at what's underneath my starter, I see this hole (currently plugged with an ear plug) There was all kinds of pine needles and dirt under there and now I'm worried that it got into the crank case through that breather hole. My plan wasn't to take apart the crank case. Any pointers or words of encouragement? thanks!

[Good Times]

If you're worried about it then take the oil pan off. Easiest thing to remove and get a good look in the crankcase. Wouldn't hurt to replace the gasket anyway.

[Crazy Carlos]

Cam Chain guide/tensioner

Okay! We pulled out the two timing chain guide rails and they look as if they have a bit of heat cracks and some wear on them from the cam chain. Looking them up online I'm finding prices around $330. Someone please tell me I'm just having a nightmare...

Carl

[Crazy Carlos]

so I ordered some used ones in a little better condition off ebay. all is well. Still looking for valves though...

[Crazy Carlos]

Nov 2012 update

Just a quick update for those that have been following this project... I got a used head with good valves from a GSresources friend down in California. My dad has a friend who has a hot tank so we asked him to let us use it and not only did he clean our parts but he also honed out the cylinders! Right now I'm just waiting for some cash to order piston rings and piston pin clips then we'll be reassembling the motor! Pretty psyched. After that it's onto the carbs.

Hope all is well!