Sup all,

Some of you may have read about me breaking that bolt off in the head. Anyways, the head has to come off and so I'm going to be replaceing the head gasket and valve cover gasket. I was wondering what else should I do this thing while I have it apart. It is an 01 with almost 7800 miles.  I was thinking about replacing the rings and such but what do you guys think?

Why would you want to replace the rings.  I have 16,000 miles on mine and runs like a top.  Fix the bolt and ride the damn thing.  That is why you bought it.

newbieone, you are the man.  I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to wash my bike.

Good luck.  

Smooth Dave

an 01 should not need rings replaced!
Actually, no GS should need it.  I mean,  plenty of 89 or early 90s GSes out there, and few of them have had a problem there.

bolt, yes.  gasket, fine.

Based on my extensive experience of one tune-up repair job extravaganza  I'd recommend that you only change one thing at a time, unless more than one thing is broken.

I try to use this same principle at work (am an engineer) and it eases troubleshooting greatly.  

On my bike, I pulled myself into the argument that while it's open and while I'm ordering parts, I may as well get everything changed that it might need.  It made getting the bike running again a lot bigger challenge.  On a $2K bike, save your money for parts you need or your next bike, and save your time for riding

My revised philosophy is that one should order parts for the present project along with reasonably inexpensive parts that will (or will likely) be needed for upcoming projects, but to only perform one change at a time.

Change O-Rings, yes (and even that isn't an absoute requirement). Change piston rings? At 7800 miles??! When you change the rings you should hone the cylinder as well, to let the new rings set properly. Doesn't make sense.

since you have the valve cover off, check valve clearance.

And get a maintenence manual to do the re-installation / timing of the camshafts right.

Thanks smoothdave, and to the  rest for encouragement.  I figured replacing everything would basicly bring the motor as close to new as possible.  That is the reson for the over-haul.  Replacing one part at a time would be very very time comsuming by removing the head numerous times.  I know on my car the head gaskets cannnot be reused and thought the same for the base gasket and the rest for the gs motor.  

JamesG, Bob, and Kerry where are you all.  I need to know if there are anythings I should do the head like port and polishing or anything else to boost performance. Let me know

Thanks,
Adam

Replacing the head gasket and valve cover gasket is only neccesary if there is oil leaking from them.  That said, the job isn't all that hard.
Just make sure you have a torque wrench to set the cam journal bolts and put the head gasket in the right way ("Up" should face up)  Don't put any sealant on the head gasket and clean off any gunk thats already there.  Do put sealant on the valve cover gasket.  I use Seal-all and it works well.

Hard part is resetting the cam timing, but follow BobB's instructions (do a search) and you'll be fine.  Test the your work by cranking the motor over by hand firist and you'll be done.

hey man....sound like we are in a similar situation... good luck!

http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9212

Sorry - I don't know a thing about porting or polishing, or even boosting performance.  My engine is still stock; not even rejetted.  :dunno:

Sheesh, I haven't even done a "fenderectomy"...!  

I re-use the head and base gaskets all the time. I'd have to buy them by the dozen if I used new ones everytime I pulled the head.
They are steel gaskets with a thin coating on them. Most of the coating comes off when you remove the head. I take lacquer thinner and wash the gaskets clean. Then I spray a coat of Coppercoat on them. Even without this I've never had a problem. The cam cover gasket is rubber so it is re-useable.
The only new things you need is the 4 o-rings that fit on the outer studs between the head and cylinder.
If you pull the cylinders, I would put new rings on. Hone the cylinders first and make sure you use regular (10/40wt) oil in the motor.  Clean the cylinders real good and wipe on a light coat of 5wt oil with a paper towel. Any synthetic will not allow the rings to seat. After a 100 miles or so you can use whatever you want. Honing the cylinders and re-using the old rings will wear them down more. And not honing the cylinders with the old rings may cause it to start smoking. The simplest thing would be to leave the cylinder on and just clean the top of the piston.
If you wanted to port the head, you'd need to remove the valves to do it right.

You should stick with only changing the gaskets now... don't fix it if it isn't broken.  also, if you have little experience wrenching on a bike, you may want to try one thing at a time and pace yourself.  Even replacing the head gasket is gonna be a serious chore... enjoy...


Rolly

Your only changing the head gasket, so don't change the rings. If you were changing the base gasket then I would change the rings and hone the cyls.

my head gaskets should be in the mail shortly. i've got a nice leak goin on there. i'm gonna take it all apart next weekend. with the day off on monday i should have more than enough time. plus i had the tank and airbox off this weekend, and will be able to do that again in a matter of minutes this weekend (i know because i forgot to turn the fuel on after getting the bike all back together this weekend).  

is there a writeup anywhere for how to do this procedure? do i just take off the top end, clean it all up, and put the new gasket on? i'm planning on documenting my procedure well with pics, cause it seems like a few ppl are having this problem now. i've got 4 days to learn as much as I can, since i don't really know much about it. Luckily this is a great support group, as well as a few friends locally who can take engines apart in their sleep. while it sucks that the bike isn't 100%, i'm excited at the same time to get to pull it all apart.

So by ONLY removing the head, I should really only replace the head gasket and up.  I shouldn't worry about pulling the cylinders.  I just assumed that while I was at it, just do it all. Anyways, the cam cover gasket may need to be replaced; not sure yet.  I will only order a new head gasket, the 4 o-rings for the head bolt studs, and the valve cover gasket (a.k.a. head cover gasket according to Suzuki).   I read what was said about the liquid gasket material and will pick some of that up. I don't think the project will be to difficult, other than the fact I will be doing it at night because of work and all.  I am going to order the parts Tuesday, and should have them by the weekend. I just want to order everything that I may need to get the bike back together without any real difficulties.

Thanks for the advice Bob B., Adam R., and of course even you Sir Kerry.

Let me know, if there is ANYTHING else I should order, please.

Thanks,
Adam