So i just purchased a 1993 GS500e as my first bike and i have a few problems with it. The first and major one is an oil leak from the front of the engine right under the exaust pipes, i know its a rather simple fix but i have no idea how that round cover is called and what seal it needs. Another problem that I'm having has to do with the fuel tank, the front of it is loose on the frame and starts rattling at ~130kmh it also moves from side to side if you lift it a little am i missing some part there? Any help would be greatly appreciated thank you.

Welp, im an idiot its an oil filter -__-, still no idea about the dancing tank.

Without seeing it, I'd guess you're missing the rubber pad for the front of the gas tank.

The oil filter cover has an oring, which should be replaced with the filter. Don't just tighten down the 3 bolts / nuts on the cover - they will probably snap.

Hey man I had the same problem with my tank and if you actually take if off you will notice that there is or should be like a tough foam or rubber type of pad it's probably really worn down if it's still there I got a new one for mine from the local Suzuki dealer can't remember what it cost but wasn't daft money and problem sorted 😊


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi GFT50s and welcome to the forum!!

Congrats on the first bike 

You'll need #11 in this diagram if you want to get what is supposed to be there:
http://www.motosport.com/motorcycle/oem-parts/suzuki/1993/gs500e/fuel-tank-%28k~l%29

I was missing the cushion on my GS too a couple years ago but (for some reason unknown to me because I'm usually very ocd about my bike) I made one out of some rubber I had laying around... and I wish I would have just gotten the actual cushion. Someday 

The cushion is $4.62 before shipping.

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Suzuki/Motorcycle/1991/GS500ET/FUEL+TANK+%28MODEL+K-L%29/parts.html

Before I bought a replacement cushion for mine I made one by layering duct tape (without actually sticking it to the frame)

What are previous owners doing with these cushions??!!

Quote from: lucas on April 11, 2016, 11:50:16 AM
What are previous owners doing with these cushions??!!

I couldn't agree more!!! Hangin' around this forum for the past 3 or 4 years, I've seen this come up too often really... where are they all going ??     

Quote from: ShowBizWolf on April 11, 2016, 11:55:50 AM

Quote from: lucas on April 11, 2016, 11:50:16 AM
What are previous owners doing with these cushions??!!

I couldn't agree more!!! Hangin' around this forum for the past 3 or 4 years, I've seen this come up too often really... where are they all going ??     

Mine literally disintegrated when i was taking the tank of the other night. I could crumble it with just two fingers. Luckily they are cheap. There are supposed to be two cushions on each side of the tank too which could be causing vibration issues if missing

I think Adidas addressed the tank rubbers before..... maybe they slip off when the tank comes off and people don't realize it until it's too late? I can't remember.

Quote from: TheGreenWeenie on April 11, 2016, 12:07:24 PM
There are supposed to be two cushions on each side of the tank too which could be causing vibration issues if missing

oooo good call... I forgot about those!

Thanks for the help guys, ill try to find new oil filter o-ring and the filter tomorrow. I didn't expect the tank issue to be so common. It seems my bike is missing all the cushions on every panel. So that's why it looked weird to my eye. Also its seems that the engine goes into resonance with the tank at 4.5k rpm and causes a horrible noise scared the heck out of me first time it happened, thought my cams were grinding.

A new o-ring should come with a new filter.
Re those 3 dome nuts....DON'T over-tighten. 

Quote from adidasguy:

Quote from: adidasguy on January 15, 2012, 11:07:17 PM
There is a newer tank front bumper that is held on with a screw. You'd need to drill a hole.
The tank/seat bracket has rubber bumpers. There are 2 bumpers on each side. Often I see the donut one left off. That will make the back of the tank lose and wobble. Tank should be very stable.

If everything is there and properly installed, the tank will be very solid.

Here you can see the 2 rubber bumpers installed and separate. Often I see the donut one missing. The washer is also mandatory as well as the aluminum tube the bumpers are on and the bolt goes through. Also shown is the newer tank front bumper - one screw, no glue needed.

I feel compelled to add to Big Rich's and Fetor's advice regarding the 3 nuts on the oil filter cover. Heed their advice don't over tighten, probably about 8 nm max. Because you had a leak you may feel obliged to tighten it too much.

Whelp, i think i had a structural fault in one of the studs that caused the leak, the bottom stud had snapped as i tried to remove the bolthead after changing the filter and the o-ring(still leaked a fair amount with the new o-ring) i removed it and will try to get a new one tomorrow, is it a good idea to use gasket sealant on the outside of the o-ring to ensure it doesnt leak? Im afraid an effed up stud might not be the only one of my broblems.

No, don't bother with any other sealant. That will actually cause more problems later on. Just make sure both surfaces around the oring are clean (cover side & engine side), and use bearing grease to hold the oring in place.

Seems i was right, theres a crack in the oil filter cover that i missed before, seeing as i don't have enough money to buy a new one right now ill try to solder an seal it.

Quote from: GFT50s on April 13, 2016, 06:49:51 AM
Seems i was right, theres a crack in the oil filter cover that i missed before, seeing as i don't have enough money to buy a new one right now ill try to solder an seal it.

The solder might be too soft and possibly won't be able to withstand the heat from the engine. Do you know anyone who tig welds?

arbakken is selling of engine parts for the cost of shipping. You could probably have a replacement oil filter cover for $15 or less.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=70353.0

Already, ordered one from a local dealer. The tig weld cost as much as the new cover. The solder was unsuccessful because the crack was too tiny. Filled it with (a lot of) gasket sealant so i could at least ride it until i get new parts. Hopefully it holds long enough for me to get to the insurance office 30km away.