GT550 leaky cylinder head

[motorpsycho]

As stated, I have a 1972 GT550 with a leaky head.....(blowing oil between the head and cylinder)
My intention is to buy a used head and cut it into three pieces as I've read here hoping that will be the fix.

My question(s) are, do 550 heads interchange between model years?
And, are OEM head gaskets still available, if not, are there any quality gaskets available?

Open to all thoughts and opinions as to why or why not to do this as well....

Thanks in advance, I'll post up some pics of the bike in question if anyone would like to see them.....

Scott

[Craig380]

I'm pretty sure the heads do interchange between all model years BUT the Ramair cover style changed, so an early-style Ramair cover might not fit on a later-model head (I think the mounting holes for the cover bolts are in different places, but I'm not 100% certain).

However, cutting the head into 3 sections does work, as each individual head is subject to less stress and vibration than when you have the one-piece head over the 3 jugs. I did this on my 380 to stop a persistent head gasket weep.

OEM gaskets are still available, they're expensive from dealers but they do come up pretty often on eBay.

[yeadon_m]

While the head may go on, not only may the ram air cover holes not line up, but you may also find the carbs won't go on, as the early head hangs over further on top than the later ones. LMAB are all interchangeable with each other, and the J/K with each other.
I have heard of people cutting up the one-piece head, but if the head is flat then a leak surely means the top of the cylinders are not in one plane? (assumes the gaskets are stock and the head nuts are torqued up per Suzuki sequence and torque) Personally, I've perhaps been fortunate in never having had a head leak on 4 aircooled GT triples with these one-piece heads.
Mike

[Coyote]

While the head may go on, not only may the ram air cover holes not line up, but you may also find the carbs won't go on, as the early head hangs over further on top than the later ones. LMAB are all interchangeable with each other, and the J/K with each other

Mike, you took the words right out of my mouth. You are correct in the 72-3 heads will not interchange with the 74-77 and vice verse. There is also petcock interference as it was moved forward a little over an inch when the carbs were changed in 74 and made room for the newer style air box. And though the tanks LOOK the same, they do not interchange. One big reason is the petcock relocation, but the bigger reason is a slight difference in the frame. I attempted to fit and early tank on my 75. The rear of the tank lacked over an inch of going down in position. Frame was in the way.

[yeadon_m]

Coyote,

I didn't know that about the fuel tanks, useful info. I did know that the Suzuki tank badge fixing method changed to screws rather than push in fixings. I have stored a spare NOS tank with the later screw fixings, as I own a 380B and a 550B and its good to know I have insurance in the event I get a leaky tank (again - I had to replace one tank already, peppered with small holes underneath!).

Cheers,
Mike