Gs 550

[vargmiguex]

Just got some bad news on my 82 550gs project. So rather then rebuilding my engine, I'm starting to look for another but was curious if I could put a larget engine on my 550 frame

[hampshirehog]

Nothing is a bolt in but a few guys are starting to throw in Bandit engines.

[cowboyup3371]

I already asked this in your other thread but tell us what's wrong with it as shops do love to lie

[vargmiguex]

Problem

Ok the original reason for taking it in to the shop was because i was having cold start issues and I noticed oil on the engine. The Bike would only start a 1/3 of the time cold but could it could be push started with minimal effort. Once the bike was warmed up and running for 20 minutes to shut it off and restart it was not a problem, the bike would fire right back up. But with the oil on the engine and cold start issues, i assumed i need my top end rebuild and seals. I took the bike today and the mechanic called me immediately after starting up the bike before he even opened it up. says it sounds bad. not sure what the issue are yet but the engine doesnt sound right. (Keep in mind I am not a mechanic and alot of what mechanics tell me sounds like the teacher from charlie brown). Anyways, he mention complete rebuild, piston rings, said it would be close to 1k. Albeit my first quote, I am a impatient man and wanted to get a jump start on getting my bike back on the road, so that is why im here.

Whew, long winded but i hope this helps all of you help me.

Found an engine from an gs 850 (will it fit with minimal modifications to my frame?)

[Good Times]

Update your location. You may have a GS'er close by that can help out. Heck, Steve travels the entire eastern seaboard helping people fix their bikes.

It very well may need a top end refresh, but that's not THAT hard to do. Honestly 1K doesn't sound that bad if your mechanic is reliable. But if you can do it yourself it's well worth the effort.

Oil on the motor can come from a lot of different sources. Breather cover, tach drive, etc. You'd be surprised how oil can travel around a motor in the wind.

The cold start sounds like it needs new intake boots or o-rings at the very least. A carb cleaning would be in order as well. All things you can do with the help of the GSR community.

You're looking at just as much time and effort either way. Fix this motor or retrofit a larger motor. I would think the larger motor would take longer to install and get right.

Just some options. Best of luck.

[cowboyup3371]

Sounds like you have a lot of issues similar to my bike when I first got mine. A "mechanic highly recommended" in Colorado Springs told me I needed to do a complete engine rebuild because of low compression. Scared me to death. I came on here, asked everyone much like you just did, and found out all I needed to do was clean my carburetors, fix a charging issue, and repair a few small issues. That same bike has been running strong now for two years with a few minor bumps in the road since.

I'm pretty sure you are running into the same issue. First things first, go to Basscliff's website (http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff) and start doing some reading, especially in the "Read Me" section first. Download the service manual for this bike and read through it paying attention to your year bike especially. Find the thread titled Top Ten Newbie Mistakes by Nessism here and read that carefully.

You'll want to do the following to start:

Carb rebuild - read and follow Nessism's tutorial as it covers our carbs perfectly. You'll want to order orings from www.cycleorings.com whose owner is a member here. DON'T GET CARB KITS you don't need them and they are way too expensive for the junk that's in them. Just buy a new set of bowl gaskets from Boulevard Suzuki or Z1 Enterprises.

Valve Adjustment - Email Steve (username and real name) here for his valve adjustment spreadsheet and then follow the procedures you'll find in the service manual and on here. This will most likely be the biggest reason you are having issues with the cold starts in conjunction with your carbs. Order new shims from the GS Shim Club on here (look under GS Services) as that will be the cheapest route. Do this while the carbs are dipping and order a new valve cover gasket when you order the bowl gaskets.

If you are unsure about doing that stuff, bring the bike down here to Dayton or one of us might be able to help talk you through the stuff over the phone. I'm still pretty inexperienced but I'm slowly learning and these guys are great about answering questions. Trust me on that.

You do all this and you will be surprised how well the bike runs and how much you won't spend.

Finally, don't worry about that oil leak just yet. I'm dealing with a base gasket leak that has been going on for two years now and it hasn't hurt my riding yet.

[MAJikMARCer]

All solid advice so far. I think you are throwing in the towel way too quick. When I first got my bike and joined the forum here I was finding all kinds of little issues on my bike. Nothing really all that serious but I was on my way to becoming a motorcycle hypochondriac.

I thought I had bought the worst bike ever and I should just get rid of it and buy new or something better. Don't give into those fears. The bike it yours, make it yours now. You'll have a great sense of accomplishment and pride by doing your own work.

And there are a TON of great GSRs in Ohio. Consider yourself lucky there! There are only a small handful in Nebraska.

[vargmiguex]

For the long haul

Ok, after such a response to my dilemma I would feel horrible if I didn't at least make an attempt at making this motorcycle my own. Heading out to pick it up in a few hours and already have my garage ready for challenge. Thanks again for all that responded and thank you for making me feel like I might actually be able to do this. Last but not least, since this is the project/rebuild forum, lets start with my first question on 1982 GS550L rebuild. When removing the engine from my frame are there any tricks and or things to avoid doing?

Thanks
M

[MAJikMARCer]

Last but not least, since this is the project/rebuild forum, lets start with my first question on 1982 GS550L rebuild. When removing the engine from my frame are there any tricks and or things to avoid doing?

Do you have the service manual for your bike? It details engine removal step by step.

[hampshirehog]

When removing the engine from my frame are there any tricks and or things to avoid doing?

Soak the exhaust bolts up at the cylinder head in penetrating oil and do not use brute force to undo them - they'll snap and then you're in trouble. Heat also helps.

The 550 engine isn't bad compared to the bigger engines but it's still not light. Having a mate help you with the lift makes things much easier.

An 850 engine won't fit - completely different.

Why do you neeed to pull the engine out though? You can fix a head leak with the thing still in the frame. And more than likely it's a cam cover / tacho drive or tensioner leak or something similar which is a doddle.

[MAJikMARCer]

Why do you neeed to pull the engine out though? You can fix a head leak with the thing still in the frame. And more than likely it's a cam cover / tacho drive or tensioner leak or something similar which is a doddle.

Really need to know where the oil leak is. I had some on my cam/valve cover at the little half moons (under the chrome cam end covers). My gasket was really old and crusty so it took awhile to clean it off, but the rest of the job was easy. No more leak now. All I had to do was take the tank off.

Remember, there are no stupid questions.

[cowboyup3371]

I'll agree there's no reason to pull the engine just yet. Do the basic maintenance with it in the frame and then go from there after you are sure where the leak is.

[vargmiguex]

getting started

Yes, I have purchased the online manual and will have to print out the pages I need depending on the job at hand.

Going to get started today, work thirds so need a couple hours sleep before I get at it though.

Thanks again for all the help

M

[SVSooke]

Could have had a manual,free http://www.mtsac.edu/~cliff/storage/..._77-82_all.pdf .Got to check BassCliff's sight before spending $$