78 GS750 engine overhaul on the Cheap!

[Bobbys 94]

Thanks for complimenting my grandsons work.

I'm very proud of him. This is the Lego Optimus Prime kit with 1,503 pieces recommended for ages 18+. He finished it in less than 10 hours. A chip off this Old block.

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[Cipher]

Beautiful job. Qwertyuiop

[Bobbys 94]

DOHC Suzuki etc? That's some third-grader you've got there!

Thank you. We used transparent high heat tape used for powder coating purpose. Bonds well and easy to trace the letters with an exacto knife.

[SamLack99]

As a newbie to the wonderful world of working on motorcycles...

...I've learned a great deal from the photos and words you've shared so far.

Thank you.

I'm in the process of getting a 1982 Suzuki GS750T back on the road. Having sorted the Tank and Carbs out, I had hoped a relatively simple valve check with replacement seals would allow me to see if I could get her to start.

Unfortunately, the paint job on the engine is flaking and peeling off in many places.

It's pressing all my buttons.

So I'm trying to get the old paint off. It is proving to be a very time-intensive job. Since methyl chloride has been removed from paint stripper here in the UK, I'm resorting to brass brushes, Dremel, and elbow grease.

It's taken me two sessions (in between life, work, family, etc) to strip about 1/4 of the cylinder. I think I might have started something I don't know how to finish!

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Sorry for waffling.

My question is: How did you get the engine so clean whilst it was in the frame?

Any tips or advice on how to best get the paint off this engine is very much appreciated.

I look forward to more of your posts.

Thanks again.

Marcus

[Bobbys 94]

My question is: How did you get the engine so clean whilst it was in the frame?

Any tips or advice on how to best get the paint off this engine is very much appreciated.

I look forward to more of your posts.

Thanks again.

Marcus

Marcus,
I did remove the head and cylinder while the engine was still in the frame. My engine was not painted black it just had the factory silver which came off pretty easy with stripper and elbow grease. I think that in your case I would either remove the engine and get it vapor blasted or tear it down completely and work on the individual pieces one at a time. Either way, it's going to be a lot of work. It looks like you're committed now so keep up the good work.

[SamLack99]

Either way, it's going to be a lot of work. It looks like you're committed now so keep up the good work.

I don't mind hard work, as long as I haven't missed a smarter way of doing it.

Thanks for the confirmation =)

[Bobbys 94]

Decided on a color for the Cheap GS750 build. Pictured below is a FB Market place buy for $200. A 1977 GS750. The ad did not show the tank and side covers but when I arrived to pick it up he said he found a few extra parts that where in his closet. The tank is absolutely Pristine and free of any rust what so ever.
So the color will be Blue on my Cheap build.

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[Bobbys 94]

The spoke wheels are also very nice as well as the instrument cluster and signals. The frame is what I purchased it for and I got a whole lot of Great components with the awesome frame.

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[Bobbys 94]

The tank is beautiful and all original. Came with a factory Suzuki key that matches the ignition, gas tank lock and seat lock.

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[MaurieG]

Marcus,
I did remove the head and cylinder while the engine was still in the frame. My engine was not painted black it just had the factory silver which came off pretty easy with stripper and elbow grease. I think that in your case I would either remove the engine and get it vapor blasted or tear it down completely and work on the individual pieces one at a time. Either way, it's going to be a lot of work. It looks like you're committed now so keep up the good work.

You mention 'Factory Paint' on the engine. I'm in the process of restoring my '78 750EC. I was led to believe the only part of the engine that came painted from the factory, was a crankcase half. Up to now, I've never found out which half that was! Can you, or anyone else following your build, enlighten me, please?

[Bobbys 94]

Not sure what the process was called "Back in the Day" but there was a process. The process of coating the surface of the cylinder, cases, cylinder head and valve cover to protect against corrosion. It can be removed with chemicals but it will still boil down to "Elbow Grease" at one point.

[rphillips]

That's interesting, I never heard only 1 half of eng. case was painted. Hope somebody may have more info.