Removing the cylinder head: Should I leave the oil in, or drain it?

[Sandy]

That's what I've been doing, with a regular drill. Something of a pain, and that's probably why the new hole is off center.
That right angle drill looks like it would solve a lot of problems...
But it will have to wait until next month.

I don't know about the 550 but on the GS1000 I got a straight shot at those screws and removed them with my Vessel impact driver without stripping them by removing the rear wheel, inner fender and battery box. If you can do that on the 550 it would be a lot easier than removing the head.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

No harm in asking. I plan to ask around at local machine shops, but couldn't today, with it being Sunday. If it costs more than buying a new head, then I'll just buy a new head. Found one on eBay, but I'll have to wait until next month, when my next disability check comes in: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1980-SUZUK...emsV2&_trksid=p2047675.c100047.m2108#viTabs_0

This Head you linked on ebay has more problems then you already have. At least one bent valve, and at least 2 exhaust bolt holes that have been heli-coiled. the other 6 are suspect. I'd stay away from that one.

 

[Guest]

I don't know about the 550 but on the GS1000 I got a straight shot at those screws and removed them with my Vessel impact driver without stripping them by removing the rear wheel, inner fender and battery box. If you can do that on the 550 it would be a lot easier than removing the head.

I had to remove the carburetor and the plastic thing that links the carburetor and airbox. Still something of a tight fit for a regular drill and bit.