Opinions needed for GS850 top end gasket set

[rustybronco]

I'm set to remove the cylinder head on my '80 Gs850 and I would like your opinions on aftermarket gasket sets; either full or top end.

are there any aftermarket sets out there that's worth considering? possibly in combination with the stock base gasket o-rings ? or would I be better off if I continue scrounging up o.e.m. parts.

I have already located the o.e.m. base and head gaskets "frugally" on E-bay. (but haven't purchased as of yet)

any and all opinions gladly welcomed.

[waterman]

You certainly can't go wrong with OEM but other than the valve cover gasket, which gaskets do you think you will need? Vesrah full kits doesn't usually supply the cam tensioner gasket. The exhaust gaskets can be replaced but not always necessary. The other gaskets I generally just cut out of gasket material, simple cheap and easy to do. May need O rings for intake boots, cycleorings to the rescue.

[gixerbike1]

PartsNmore

Hey Rusty,

When I replaced my Valve seals, I got a complete kit from PartsnMore for 78.00, it came with all the gaskets and "O" rings needed for the top end as well as the carb intake boot "O" rings.

It had all of the other engine gaskets as well.

Tommy

[rustybronco]

You certainly can't go wrong with OEM but other than the valve cover gasket, which gaskets do you think you will need? Vesrah full kits doesn't usually supply the cam tensioner gasket. The exhaust gaskets can be replaced but not always necessary. The other gaskets I generally just cut out of gasket material, simple cheap and easy to do. May need O rings for intake boots, cycleorings to the rescue.

Until I remove the head I can't be sure what I'll need other than a head gasket and valve stem seals. I'm almost positive I can remove the head without disturbing the base gasket.


I'm trying to prepare for any possibilities, so I guess the question is more of a pre-emptive strike.

Thanks gixerbike1... duly noted!

[Nessism]

I used an Athena kit on my 1000 from partsnmore.com and the quality seems good although the MLS head gasket required retorquing a couple of times before it settled down. Those Athena kits come with the valve stem seals, intake boot O-rings, copper washers for the engine studs, etc (basically everything you will need). That said, since you already have a head and base gaskets I'd just piece together the rest of the parts you need from OE and/or Z1 (they stock basics like valve stem seals and valve cover gaskets).

[rustybronco]

The Partsnmore gasket set is $59.00 usd with a $5.00 s+h. so I'm ordering one!

[GSJim69]

+1 for the Partsnmore.com set. I did not trust the head gasket that came with mine. So, I went with OEM on that one.

[bwringer]

OEM only, please.

And replace the base gasket and o-rings -- there's no such thing as removing a cylinder head and its 25 year old gasket without disturbing the equally aged and brittle base gasket.

[damntitan]

noob needs gaskets

i have a 1980 gs850 gl.
the exhaust was cored and i found a set of stock pipes but when removing the old ones i broke 4 bolts flush. i tried to tap them but broke a tap.

so now i (think i) have to pull the top end so they can be drilled out. the problem is that in the past i have been little more than a bolt changer. so i am i bit hesitant to really dive in. i have the manual but i want to make sure i have all of the gaskets and tools i need once i am inside.

i know i need to replace the half moon ends.
i think i need a tappet tool and shim kit.
should the OEM gasket kit from partsnmore.com have all the gaskets i need?

any advice?
(i take stock tips so i can afford to have a pro do it right)

[Nessism]

The base gasket on my partsnmore Athena kit is starting to fail after only a very short time in service. I've recommended Athena in the past but no more.

[mike_of_bbg]

I used an Athena kit on my 1000 from partsnmore.com and the quality seems good although the MLS head gasket required retorquing a couple of times before it settled down. Those Athena kits come with the valve stem seals

A friend of mine whom I trust pretty well says to NOT use the Athena valve stem seals - they'll fail within a couple of years. He's all right with the other parts of Athena gasket kits.

Then again, he rides and wrenches Hondas

My Athena head gasket (non-MLS) is weeping and will be replaced soon. It's probably my fault somehow for not seating o-rings, particularly the cam chain tunnel, correctly, and not re-torquing through the first several heat cycles. I think that one squirms around and the gasket layers really don't seal per se around the cam chain tunnel. There's a Noboru gasket waiting to go in when I get the chance. If that doesn't work I'll go OEM. I'll probably 3-bond the o-rings into place before installing (no, not treating the head gasket itself).

[Redneck]

Check out the other post in he Review section

This debate is being waged in the thread in the Buyer Reviews

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=157220

Somewhere in that thread I also posted the price of OEM gaskets for complete rebuild with exception of valve seats.... it was $149 and change... Z1 sells a gasket Kit and I am thinking of giving them a try, Just because i am short of cash and want to get he bike back together.