Gas Tank Bolt Threads Stripped

[Steve]

I think you will find the bolt is 8mm not 6mm. You will need to RECOIL with an 8mm x 1.25mm pitch.

Actually, they used both sizes over the years.

If it's a single horizontal bolt, it's an 8 mm (has a 12 mm head).

If it's a pair of vertical bolts, they are 6 mm (has a 10 mm head).

.

[Suzuki_Don]

He has the '79 GS550L so that is a single 8mm bolt. The two 6mm bolts were not used to hold the rear of the tank down until 1981.

[Redneck]

Wow I was just wondering how you and the bike were doing, it's been a while since I've seen you post. Been riding in the snow??

Well she ran good all summer then started having an electrical problem. Wont keep the battery charged but the kick start takes care of that issue most of the time. Then this fall I developed a leak in the base gasket. So I will have to strip the motor all the way down and replace all gaskets. Other than that she was doing good. Hope to have her 100% with a new paint job come riding season. Money being the issue right now. Heating oil cost sucks my bank account dry.


Paul

[chuck hahn]

Sounds to me that the welded nut on the mounting plate may have came loose..I dont know if you can get a pair of needle nosed vice grip up there to grab the nut..but seems like you need to find a way to trap that nut to remove the bolt..maybe a long screwdriver to wedge along side the nut??? You can always hold the head of the bolt with some vice grips and drill the head off the bolt too..start with a smaller bit and work your way up till you can pry the head off.

[Redneck]

LoL... Hey Chuck you are about 5 post behind...I did actually try the lever some pressure on it and what not. The trick that did it was removing the rubber gasket, then getting a good set of vice grips and getting them clamped on tight and pulling while twisiting and having my little girl shake up and down on the gas tank it worked its way out. I will see about posting a picture of it tomorrow.

Paul