Removing the gas tank

[paalak]

I'm planning on doing my first spark plug change on my new '08 GS500f and I'm assuming I'll have to remove the gas tank to get access to the plugs. I expect the wrench work to be straight-forward, but I'm wondering whether there's anything I should look out for in terms of wires, hoses, etc. Just want avoid any potential fuel leaks or similar issues. Other than removing the bolts and lifting the tank, anything else I should do/look out for?

[tb0lt]

You don't have to remove the tank to change the plugs, they can be accessed easily from the sides.

[paalak]

Does this go for the fairing models as well? From the diagram in the manual the plugs seem to be right behind the fairings. I spent 20 minutes looking for the spark plugs with a flashlight, but then I'm a total bike noob, so maybe I was looking right at them and didn't see. I can see the carburators and bottom part of the engine where the oil plug is, but the cylinders are mostly covered. Should I remove the right fairing, or am I missing something??   

[the mole]

I haven't worked on a faired one, but I'm pretty sure you'd have to remove the sides to get at the plugs. Certainly taking the tank off won't help you at all.

[tb0lt]

It is a lot easier to change plugs on an F if u remove the left and right fairings. The tank doesn't doesn't have to be removed for any model GS500.how many miles do you have on the bike? What year? Are you in the US?

[paalak]

Cool, I'll remove the fairings then. Looks like all I'll need to do it is a socket and allen wrench set. I just bought the bike, it's a 2008 with 11000 miles (now) and not a lot of wear. I've noticed it not starting the first time, just a couple times, so I just wanted to look at the spark plugs and see if the previous owner ever bothered to replace them.

EDIT: Location is U.S., northern CA 

[twocool]

Cool, I'll remove the fairings then. Looks like all I'll need to do it is a socket and allen wrench set. I just bought the bike, it's a 2008 with 11000 miles (now) and not a lot of wear. I've noticed it not starting the first time, just a couple times, so I just wanted to look at the spark plugs and see if the previous owner ever bothered to replace them.

EDIT: Location is U.S., northern CA 

When you remove the fairings...make sure you remove ALL of the allen screws and the little plastic pop rivet type thingies.  There are two of the plastic rivet thingies which are "hidden" and you will break something if you don't find them and remove BEFORE you try to pull off the fairings.

I think there is a tutorial on the GS 500 Website!

Cookie

[tb0lt]

Modern spark plugs won't wear out with just 11,000 miles unless there is something else wrong with the bike. Usually weak spark or poor condition plugs perform worse at higher RPMs. Your starting issue might be due to clogged or dirty passageways in the carburetors. Are you starting with or without choke? What voltage does the battery show with the key out after the bike sits unused for a couple hours (overnight for example)?

[sledge]

Modern spark plugs won't wear out with just 11,000 miles

In a `less than modern` 35+ year old engine they will 

Suzuki advise an inspection at 4k with replacement if needed so 11k is stretching things particularly when you dont know when they were last looked at. For whats involved in replacing them time, cost, effort etc its worth doing, even if its just to rule them out as the source of the problem. It wont make things any worse 

Dont be tempted to overtighten them when you refit, follow the instructions on the pack.

[noworries]

When reinserting the plugs, just use fingers to the point where you are really sure that the plug has picked up the head tread 100% correctly. Then wrench it up until the plug nips the compression washer nicely. Worth putting a dab of anti-seize compound, or just ordinary ht grease, on the plug thread too.

[paalak]

Thanks for all your advice. I'll at least have a look at the plugs when I have time to get the fairings off, should be within the next couple days. Tbolt, I don't have a volt meter to check the batter voltage, but should probably get one. Also the starting problem only happens rarely, maybe once over 10-15 starts, and then it always starts the second time. I always start with the choke on unless it's only been off a few minutes.

I could probably just leave it alone and not worry, but I'm looking for excuses to work on my new bike