First ever bike rehab attempt: 1980 GS550

[mike_of_bbg]

Yours is an 80, so it probably has the alien petcock they used that year. I also think the bolt spacing was different, unfortunately. Try some forum searches.

 

[Nessism]

It is as simple as it sounds. White or apple cider vinegar does not matter which ever one comes in the gallon jugs ... Block off the petcock hole and fuel sender hole so it is whater tight. Fill 1/2 way with vinegar and half a bag of aquarium rocks. Put a plug or seal on the fill hole. Your gas cap will not work because they are vented. Then Shake vigourously. Set it down and forget about it. Every time you walk by it give it a good shake then about 24 hours later turn it over to get the other side of the tank. 24 hours after that drain out all the old vinegar and fill it half way with fresh vinegar. (you can reuse the aquarium rocks) and Repeat. You may need to do this cycle once more but that should take care of your rust problem. Remember the last time you drain it then spray the inside with WD-40 or re install your petcock and fuel sender and fill with gas, if you refill with gas make sure you go ahead and fill it up to make sure the petroleum can be absorbed by all the metal to prevent flash rust. Good luck.

Paul

Paul nailed the technique here. I've never used vinegar before but use the same technique using phosphoric acid.

That lever-less petcock works well enough, plus they are the cheapest of all the Suzuki GS petcocks. Check Z1 Enterprises for a source if yours is knackered.

 

[bsullivan]

Yours is an 80, so it probably has the alien petcock they used that year. I also think the bolt spacing was different, unfortunately. Try some forum searches.

Will look--but how do I operate that sucker without the lever? Tiny little flathead?

 

[bsullivan]

Ugh. Nevermind:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=176459&highlight=1980+petcock


"The dread 1980 petcock!" made me laugh. Also, I just learned my n00b lesson in searching the forum before troubling you all. At least I did so in my own thread!

Thanks.

 

[bsullivan]

Where the heck can I buy carb dip?!

 

[cowboyup3371]

Autozone, Pep Boys, Oreillys, any auto parts store should have some. Walmart will carry it too but may not have the big can.

 

[bsullivan]

Pepboys is a wonderland.