How to check current size of T500 pistons?

MikeH1A · Post by **MikeH1A** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 8:38 pm

My right hand cylinder is a bit rattly and I think I may have to look at new pistons and whatever else at some stage. To find out the current size of piston in there, I believe I can whip the head off and there should be a size stamped right there to see. Is this correct? Also, can I take the head off and just put it back without replacing the gasket. Should I use anything special to reseal it?

Thanks for advice

Buffalo-guy · Post by **Buffalo-guy** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 10:28 pm

Suzuki pistons for your bike are marked with 0.5 (first over) or 1.0 (second over). If neither is there, then they are still standard size. If the head gasket is aluminum, then you should aneal the metal with a heat source (torch), and if it is fiberous material, then a good gasket sealant is required to do the job. New gaskets are best, of coarse. Suzuki rings for those bikes (I assume we are talking about the T500 and not the H1) are chrome steel, and very tough. The cylinder may also be what is worn, so new pistons alone may not fix the rattle. When the head is off, check for a ridge at the top of the bore, which would indicate a worn cylinder as well. Have fun. Cheers.
Fred

strainer · Post by **strainer** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 10:17 am

delete

parksie · Post by **parksie** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 8:31 pm

I'm don't think I'd aneal alumninium head gaskets. Copper ones yes but not the aluminium ones.

Suzukidave · Post by **Suzukidave** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 3:57 am

parksie wrote:I'm don't think I'd aneal alumninium head gaskets. Copper ones yes but not the aluminium ones.

Aluminum head gaskets can also be annealed . Before heating cover them with a coating of dish washing soap then when you heat the gasket with the torch when the soap turns black its annealed .

parksie · Post by **parksie** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 1:01 am

I stand corrected

MikeH1A · Post by **MikeH1A** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 1:15 am

Thanks for the info guys. I think I'll whip the head off this weekend and see what I have been running with and how she looks in there.

tygrant351 · Post by **tygrant351** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 6:59 pm

im sorry but what do you mean "aneal" ? and how do you do it? thanks

Post by **oldjapanesebikes** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 11:52 pm

tygrant351 wrote:im sorry but what do you mean "aneal" ? and how do you do it? thanks

Compressing a metal gasket material hardens it, and as there is generally nothing else wrong with it other than being hard (and so no longer malleable) to re-use it you need to soften it. That softening process is 'annealing' - copper and aluminium head gaskets are heated and allowed to cool and then can be re-used.