leaking gaskets

[Nessism]

The valve seals must be replaced. Pull the valves, lap them after inspection, and put back together with fresh seals. Doing anything less at this point is foolish.

 

[mike_of_bbg]

Yes, please listen to Ed. Replace the valve stem seals (with OEM ones). They're cheap (Boulevard sells them for $4.31) and it won't take long. You'll also have to remove the keepers and springs to lap the valves anyway. Then you can put the valves in your carb dip to get them nice and clean. The only tools you need are a 6" C-clamp and a chunk of PVC (or I made a compressor from a block of wood instead).

Steve even made a video of the process:

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/valve_replacement.html

 

[Hoggystyle]

ok i watched the video, it looks very easy really, but what does the lapping process involve? i understand putting new seals in and setting it back in order, but what else do i need to do to get the valves right?

 

[mike_of_bbg]

The lapping process is just using a bit of lapping compound and a lapping tool (basically a stick with suction cups on the ends) to smooth the valve/seat interface. I'm sure you can find some YouTube videos on valve lapping. Compound + tool should cost about $10.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...pper-5--Lisle_22984552-P_N3491_T|GRP2083_____

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...mpound-Permatex_7160108-P_N3565A_P|GRP2022___

 

[Hoggystyle]

ok ill look into that. i have an advance auto nearby so that should be easy. im looking right now for new seals, i see some on ebay, and saw some new aftermarket seals that raised the question: are old oem seals just as good as aftermarket as far quality as the rubber is old and hardened some?

 

[rwcfrank]

Are the OEM stem seals better than the Viton seals I see on Evilbay?

 

[bbjumper]

The OEM seals were good for the first thirty years on my 850 so that's what I used. Listen to Nessism, done right from the start will keep the cost down in the long run and every time you ride your scoot it will put a smile on your face.

 

[mike_of_bbg]

Were you to post an example link, someone might be able to say.

Are the OEM stem seals better than the Viton seals I see on Evilbay?

 

[Hoggystyle]

well i took heed to that advice and dismantled the head, i watched the video last night so i made a little pvc piece and had the whole thing stripped down and organized in about 45, which included cutting and buildign a plywood parts keeper for each valve.

all the valves look pretty good, no pitting, or chips out of the seat, and the beveled ring on the valve seat is smooth and not warped from what i can see, just dirty. i also pulled the seals and am going to "gunk" the head so i should be good to go when this is all back together.

here is what i saw on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUZUKI-GS55...Parts_Accessories&hash=item45f19c594b&vxp=mtr

about $15 more than the oem ones on ebay. He does make a good point but im not sure how valid it is, becaue this is the first time i've ever torn an engine apart so i have no experience with oem vs aftermarket, though in most cases oem seems to be the way to go.

 

[Hoggystyle]

just in case this helps you rwcfrank, i bought my valve seals from Z1, which is a great site for GS parts. a few spins with my lapping tool cleaned up the exhaust valves , which werent really burnt, just black with carbon from hanging open so long. i was surprised they werent warped. it was way easier than i thought it would be, and using all purpose grease was priceless for putting the keepers back in. so if you were like me and didnt want to get in too deep becasue you were weary you could'nt do the job, Dont be! thanks for your help fellas