GS750e Head Gasket Change, tips and tricks?

[Guest]

I have the motor out of my 79 GS750e, which needs a new head gasket. I have looked over the 2 different service manuals I have which make it look to be a pretty straight forward task (possibly easier than getting the motor out of the frame solo).
If I'm doing a simple head gasket change, nothing else, is there any things I should watch out for or tips/tricks that wouldn't be covered in the manuals?

My only concern was the timing, which appears to be simple (almost too sample).
1. Set the timing mark to "T"
2. Set arrow "1" level with edge of cylinder head and "2" pointing up (on exhaust cam)
3. 20th pin on timing chain should have number "3" pointing to it on the intake cam (also pointing up)

 

[Nessism]

My suggestions are 1) buy OEM Suzuki gaskets, 2) pull the cylinder and replace the base gasket, 3) if the engine has poor compression replace the rings and hone the cylinders, 4) replace valve stem seals, 5) lap the valves, 6) adjust the valves, 7) torque the head after every few heat cycles until the torque falloff stops.

 

[Guest]

My suggestions are 1) buy OEM Suzuki gaskets, 2) pull the cylinder and replace the base gasket, 3) if the engine has poor compression replace the rings and hone the cylinders, 4) replace valve stem seals, 5) lap the valves

Was planning to go OEM gaskets. Cylinders looked good when I checked them with the camera. The head gasket change is due to loss of compression which got progressively worse and the mess of oil along the gasket between the jugs and the head along the exhaust side of the head.

One thing i noticed was the cams in this motor are stamped "R1" on the intake and "R3" on the exhaust cam. My 77 gs750e is "R3" on both cams. Not sure if it means anything.

 

[Maddevill]

My suggestions are 1) buy OEM Suzuki gaskets, 2) pull the cylinder and replace the base gasket, 3) if the engine has poor compression replace the rings and hone the cylinders, 4) replace valve stem seals, 5) lap the valves

I agree with everything here.

Mad

 

[alke46]

Two questions come to mind. 1) Did you have a known number for each cylinder's compression?
2) Did it use oil and how much?
Ok, I guess that's 3 questions.