1980 Suzuki GS550L

[franque]

Did it spit out the connecting rod? I've seen some b&s motors do that when used commercially, seldom getting an oil change.

[Landsvw]

Originally Posted by franque

Did it spit out the connecting rod? I've seen some b&s motors do that when used commercially, seldom getting an oil change.

Thinking it did? There is no con rod on the crank (looking through the hole), and, the other side where the camshaft is, is not looking too good either.

My bro in law was running it (is his, but now it’s ours) and blew up on him shortly after he bought it.

I dropped it off at the metal bin yesterday. But wanted to share the impressive carnage.

[Landsvw]

Not much to report! Possibly getting a 1972 Suzuki TC125, which was the same bike I rode as a young man during my high school years. In pretty bad shape but will be a nostalgia type project. Oregon is slowly reopening, and things in our county are looking good. Nice to see people put back to work.

[Landsvw]

Been a busy summer. Moved my mom from Alaska to Oregon. Was intense but smooth. Took around 21 days to complete the whole thing. Brought a SL100 down from Alaska. Then, yesterday, traded it for 2 (one running, one parts) CT90’s. A 1969 and a 1971.

[Landsvw]

[Landsvw]

Working on the 1969 primarily right now. Had a stretched timing chain and had worn the cam sprocket and the oil pump sprocket badly. Got both ordered plus a few other pieces from eBay. The 71 had stuck rings (rust) and so got it freed, did a sandpaper hone job and ordered some rings.

[Landsvw]

Here’s the 1969 all laid out

[Landsvw]

Got 69 motor together. Decided the 71 is a better condition bike so have parts ordered. Reclaimed all the 71 parts that had been put on the 69 and making the 71 complete again.

[Landsvw]

Let’s see, latest update? Parts were taking too long to arrive so I installed 69 motor in 71. Runs great but have an oil drip from a gasket at the head. Got that ordered. Meanwhile, yesterday the final gasket for the 71 engine came in. I plan on assembling it today (this evening) and swapping the two motors around. Then, tomorrow, possibly going to a see a guy who has a bunch of parts bikes, and see if I can get more pieces for the 69. The 71 is all together and once the engines are swapped will be pretty much original and rideable.

2.0 saga: got the 71 engine in bike and completely hooked up and runs like a top. Buuuuuuuutttt... transmission issue of some sort. Weird clunky noise when engaged and spinning. Engine will come back out and I’ll tear into it... After I pull right side cover and just verify it’s not something I can get to easily.

Disassembled and had broken gear tooth. Ordered one, and a gasket. And put back together. Buut...

2.1 part of the saga: went to the old guys house and talked parts for the 1969. It’s such a weird year, with nothing really completely matching the later years. Turns out, this guy has about 7 of the 1969 specifically. He has probably, 40 bikes total decaying away in his back yard. It’s pretty cool ‘collection’. We talked a while, and have decided (but could change as nothing was exchanged) that I will trade the 1969 bike I have, with the running engine, for a 1972 bike he has, which is complete but not running. He wants to use mine to complete a good one for himself based on all the 1969 parts bikes he has. Seems like a good option!

Third part: traded for the 1972 Orange!

2.2 saga revisited: Reassembled the 1971, totally together, runs and shifts great. Unfortunately I think I either let the kickstart spring slip or I didn’t clock it right because it doesn’t engage correctly... sigh... gotta disassemble...


Here’s a great site for anyone wanting to rebuild a CT90 or, Trail 90 as it’s also called.

https://ct90restoration.blogspot.com...eassembly.html


It shows the kickstart spring (not the recoil, but a second one which moves a gear into another gear) for them going into a slot but I am positive I let the shaft slip downward, and then rotate the spring out... very annoyed with myself but will tackle it later today. About 1.5 hours to disassemble and maybe 2-3 hours to reassemble?

Update: came apart easily and I didn’t destroy the gaskets! Got the aligning spring problem corrected (yes, I did have it in the wrong spot) and am taking a break to get torque specs and get a drink. Had it torn down in less than an hour. Will add an update in a bit...

Second update: runs well! shifts well, starts well. Drove around block. Battery was low and also, carb seems to be leaking... charging battery tonight and will see what’s with the carb tomorrow.

Third update, Saturday: wasn’t charging. Traced it to the pink wire on the rectifier/regulator. Had another used one in a box, swapped it out and is charging like it’s supposed to. Still haven’t messed with carb but I think I’ll order a rebuild kit.

Ok, so 1971 red is mostly sorted and looking good. 1972 orange is waiting patiently. Should be a runner, since it turns over and has compression. I figure that one will go out to Bandon and be a run around bike in the salt air as it’s got pretty bad paint. The red one will stay at my house.

[Landsvw]

A few pictures of project

[Landsvw]

Been working on the 1972 Orange. Got the air filter off... was a squirrel storage unit.... And the foam was gone. Carburetor is surprisingly clean. Changed a fuel line. Need to get a battery and see if it will start. If it does, and seems to check out , will order some parts

[Landsvw]

1971 Red is running well. I took it on a 10 mile ride the other day, with no issues.

[Landsvw]

Got the 72 orange running. Has some very bad internal sounds. I’m thinking either piston slap or the rod is knocking. Will investigate.

[cheesy]

Originally Posted by Landsvw

Got the 72 orange running. Has some very bad internal sounds. I’m thinking either piston slap or the rod is knocking. Will investigate.

Hate when that happens.

[Landsvw]

Yup. Connecting rod and crank are toast. So, on the hunt for a set or possibly, a lower engine.