2001 float bowl gaskets unavailable? and perserving old gaskets

[jonathanhly]

I have a 2001, and supposedly the carbs are different and they require a different gasket. The OEM replacement part, and every photo I have found on the internet, is the wrong gasket. I have searched ebay and CL to no avail. My old gaskets aren't brittle, however are cracked. Some of the cracks are almost completely through. I have been "moisturizing" them in vasoline for a few hours hoping to get them to swell slightly.

Anything else I can do to save my gaskets?

I tired gasket material, however the 1/16 in material is almost impossible to cut perfectly to fit into the float bowl groove.

[Zethioth]

I found this?

http://www.bikebandit.com/mikuni-float-bowl-gasket

[Suzuki Stevo]

How hard did you look?  SUZUKI GS500 2001-2002 CARBURETOR #16 GASKET,FLOAT CH 13258-44B00  $7.39

http://www.mrcycles.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=92667&category=Motorcycles&make=SUZUKI&year=2001&fveh=2102#.UPLJe2ffF8E

[jonathanhly]

That first link was not the right one. Part 16 on the second link was correct. However, thats an OEM parts diagram, and last time when I ordered "part 16" off an OEM diagram I received the wrong gasket. I searched on the forum and I am not the only person with the problem.

[Suzuki Stevo]

I see superseded part numbers on OEM parts list all the time....so Suzuki has had the wrong part/number called out for 12 years and hasn't superseded/corrected it yet?   

[J banning]

FYI, I just ordered float bowl gaskets for my 2001 and what I got were NOT the right gaskets. Grrr.

[adidasguy]

I though 2001-2002 float bowls were the same as 2004+ because they are all 3 jet carbs.
If no one knows, I can to to the bike cave and compare since I do have one 01-02 carbs set in the collection just for answering these types of questions.

Look in the owners manuals for the models and what model carb does it indicate? Carb model is in the specifications. Though it might have a different number because of different tops (emissions crap) and the TPS, which is just an add-on.

[02GSNewb]

This is a gasket I have for an 02 Carb. If someone needs this PM me.

[N618ft]

The problem with preserving old gaskets is that they will most likely leak.  They often have to be AIR TIGHT for the entire carb to perform properly. Small air leak, fluid leak --> runs like garbage.  Once you torque the gasket on there and give it some time, it molds to the shape of the metal and depending on where it is, can be designed to harden over time and/or after heating (vulcanization).  This isn't to say that you can't use an old gasket and put some gasket sealing goo from your local auto parts store but that is ghetto rigged and a pain in the butt - but it is an option I guess.

[gsatterw]

This is a gasket I have for an 02 Carb. If someone needs this PM me.

This is NOT the right gasket for the 02 carbs. adidas is correct, all of the 01+ gaskets are the same.

I went through bikebandit to get my float bowl gaskets, and received the correct part for a decent price. I recommend doing that if you are fearful of getting the wrong part again. Mrcycles is a dollar cheaper though.

http://www.bikebandit.com/2001-suzuki-gs500/o/m6062#sch246380

[J banning]

This is a gasket I have for an 02 Carb. If someone needs this PM me.

That's exactly what was sent to me. It was wrong and does not fit the '01 carbs.

[J banning]

This is a gasket I have for an 02 Carb. If someone needs this PM me.

Yep, that's what I got just last week. It does not fit the '01 carbs. I'll try Bike Bandit instead.

[adidasguy]

Since 01-02 is same as 04+, why not order 04+?

So many parts are interchangeable from so many years, order what you know fits.

I got a PM about levers. The person was told LSL are not available for a 2010 model. Well, 2010 is not listed in Europe. Since we know all levers are the same,  just order from a year that the company does list. I do that all the time at my dealer. They need a year to look up a part so I randomly select one. usually 97-2000 since some older parts have been superseded.

13258-44B00  is for 89-2000 according to Suzuki
13258-04F00  is 2004+

They show the right picture, but give the wrong part number for 2001-2002

[Paulcet]

Addy,

One reason they order the wrong gasket is because all the fiches are incorrect.  The cross references show the 44B00 part fits all GS500s from '89-06.  Some I looked at showed 04F00 for '04+.  None showed anything but 44B00 for '01 or '02.

Now we know.  Maybe should put it in the Wiki....

[adidasguy]

I know they are wrong - unfortunately. Even the one for the Suzuki dealers is wrong. Though the picture in the parts catalog is correct.
It is unfortunate. I doubt they will ever correct it.

It SHOULD be in the WIKI or somewhere obvious - maybe a section detailing parts errors and part compatibility.

[The Buddha]

This is an 89-00 float gasket. Your dealer is asleep @ the wheel if they got you this part.
I will make sure the 01-02 and 04+ gaskets are the same and post back.
BTW I use gasket maker (purple stuff) and be very careful when removing the bowls.
Gasket maker has a capacity to keep the gasket form drying out. But of course it is tacky, it  will tear the gasket if you yank the bowl off in a hurry.
Cool.
Buddha.

This is a gasket I have for an 02 Carb. If someone needs this PM me.

Yep, that's what I got just last week. It does not fit the '01 carbs. I'll try Bike Bandit instead.

[gsatterw]

i have an 02, definitely the same as 04+

[jonathanhly]

Thanks buddah, I will try that until we find out about the 04+

[gsatterw]

uh...yea, so all 01+ have the same gaskets... 

Graham