Topic: What seals will I need to replace when I crack the case? Suzuki T500

[zoo mob]

I've never gotten into the bottom end of a motor before, what should I replace/check once I have the cases split on my '72 Suzuki T500?

[RRRToolSolutions]

Andrew, you're asking silly questions now. Why would you not replace all? Why go to all of the trouble of taking it apart and not spending the $25 to replace all of them? Me, I'd replace the crank seals too and spend the $200 it takes to do it.

Get you a parts listing or go to a favorite parts on-line dealer like www.mrcycles.com and print off their fiche. This ain't brain surgery - just get in there and do it and then come back on here and "give back" that help to others. You can't always be a taker - this site works because we share.

Try this -
http://www.mrcycles.com/fiche_select2.asp?category=Motorcycles&make=Suzuki&year=1972&fveh=1937

My 02.
Gordon

[zoo mob]

I hope that was not a naive question, I've never even had a head off of a bike bike before this, and as such, have never split cases on anything. I was simply hoping to find out what parts I will need to order in advance. Unfortunately, forum support for these is pretty tough since I registered for two forums for these over a week ago and have not had my account activated yet. I may know how to spot a bargain, and seal a deal on classic bikes, but am a novice on working on them, cut me some slack here. Your comments thus far have been valuable and appreciated, perhaps with the exception of the last. As far as helping out with sharing info, I can only share as much as I know, when I can I do.

[bryanj]

With a big stroker you simply cant order in advance as no two wear the same. You will have to get in there and check it all out BUT I would start with every gasket and seal on the motor PLUS if it has been stood a while send the crank to a specialist to get it overhauled as necessary----smallest amount of corrosion kills the bearings on a stroker

[Bodi]

Two strokes can be pretty daunting to restore. As has been said, the bearings are an issue: the rods use roller bearings, and if the bike has sat in weather these will likely be toast. Very few have plain crank bearings (must use pressure lube, premix engines have rollers there too) but usually rollers with a ball bearing on one end to keep the crank from sliding around. The crankcase is part of the intake and develops suction and compression, so the crank throws are huge to take up as much space as possible maximizing the suction and compression. The bottom case must also be completely sealed (except fot the intake system and transfer ports) so there are mechanical seals at the crank ends and between adjacent cylinder lower case sections: each cylinder must have a sealed lower case around its crank section.
These seals age and leak, it's a good plan to just change them all.
The crankshaft is also a bit different from a four stroke, because of the roller bearings it is in several sections and must be taken apart to replace bearings and seals. Some bikes have non-serviceable cranks and the OEM repair for blown bearings was to replace the complete crank/rod/bearing assembly. They DO come apart, of course, but the seals and bearings are not available separately and substitutes must be found. Servicing the crank is not a home job (perhaps some exceptionally equipped homes...) and is not going to be super cheap.
The T500 is a good bike. It isn't really great at anything, but it was reliable. The engine is tuned for broad power and thus has fairly low horsepower compared to an H1 or RG. The transmission is supposed to be very reliable. The frame and suspension are typical for the era, flexible and spongy respectably. There aren't any dubious electrical components (like the infamous H1 ignition unit) and overall it's a worthwhile classic to restore or just fix up and ride.

[abmty]

I've got a 73 and I'm fortunate that it is not smoking. Unless you are smoking bad don't open it up but do pay close attention to how the bike is running. If you are smoking then by all means replace all oil seals and rings.  While you have the bottom end open go ahead and have the modification done to the trans case to raise the oil level for 4 and 5th gear.  All pre 74 models need this done.

[bucky katt]

i keep on pulling the tarp off the 72 titan i have sitting in the corner of my garage, shudder then re-cover the thing. the resto on my honda burned me out.