GT550 Float Chamber

[Tariq]

Hi everyone,

New here and pretty pumped to restore this '74 GT550 I picked up. But already hit a snag. The report I got from the previous owner was that the bike needs a few things done, one of which includes a carb clean (which would have been a good idea anyway). I've done one before on another kind of bike, so I'm not too too worried, but while trying to open up the float chamber, it simply won't budge. (Yes, I took the screws out!) it looks like last person who was in there had added some kind of, what now looks like some kind of black sealant. I assumed it was liquid gasket or something. But there nowhere to get leverage with a screwdriver to pop it open.

Thoughts? Give it a soft tap with a mallet and hope it pops the seal? I'm then worried that they sealed it solid because the gasket was done and they didn't want to search high and low for a new (or used) gasket. Can you even get new gaskets for this carb? I'm guessing not...

Just didn't want to get too rough on the chamber if someone had a gentler solution for me...being a bike whose parts are long since discontinued, I'm weary of being too rough on any of the parts I'm playing with...

Thanks!
Tariq

[pearljam724]

I recently had the same problem with my 550 carbs. Yes, grab a descent size wrench and continuously tap lightly on all sides of the bowl. It will pop loose. You may or may not rip the paper gaskets. If so, they are replaceable. Mine didn't rip and I had to tap fairly hard.. I believe this is caused by a very small amount of gas that has been soaked into the paper and gums up. Should you tear them, you could easily cut better quality ones from a gasket sheet bought at an automotive store or buy new gaskets on Ebay, Suzuki, etc. I don't know why the original gaskets were paper, but they are. If it's sealed, from the previous owner using gasket sealant. I'd suggest soaking the complete carb in very hot boiling water, before you resort to a little more heat. As an FYI, boiling your bowls for 30 to 60 minutes also does wonders on gasoline tarnish or gum deposits. I like boiling mine, prior and previous to soaking them in Berrymans for 3 days.

[Tariq]

Done! Scored it with a blade and gave a couple taps with my wrench. Popped right off. Thanks!