Float Bowl Drain Screws - O-ring or Gasket?

[robertbarr]

... and one more answer to the same question:

Some carbs come with a hard fiber washer on there as a gasket, and some carbs come with drain screws that have a ringland turned into them to accommodate an O-ring. I've seen plenty of exploded diagrams that show both, and apparently it's up to you to guess which you need.

I found such a diagram, but I'm having a little trouble getting it uploaded. Anyway, one example is the '79 GS850. Its exploded diagram shows both styles.

Someday I'll come up with a nice macro photo of the two screw types side by side. If you use an O-ring on a drain screw that isn't shaped for one, it'll just squish the O-ring into mush. And probably leak

So the answer is: If the O-ring squishes into bits, you needed a washer instead. How's that for definitive?

[Nessism]

8 valves, SOHC. Different engine.

Honda didn't go to the DOHC engine until the 750.

...

Seem to remember that 650 engine was an enlarged 500. Not exactly a powerhouse. In other words, a Honda.

[robertbarr]

Upon further review, I think that what I'm seeing on the exploded diagram are the drain screw / washer and the screw/washer for securing the float bowl to the carb body.

Still, I know there are some that take O-rings and some that take washers. I'd suggest looking up your bike's exploded diagrams.

[autko]

Just to give another possible solution- copper washer. It's not so expensive, durable and seals perfectly when squeezed- tested on my bike :-)

Certainly it's rather an upgrade as in mass production this would impact the Suzuki's profit ;-)

[Nessism]

The proper seal is still available from Suzuki. They call it an O-ring, but it's been flat on all the carbs I've worked on.

Part# 13246-44080
Desc GASKET -SU