Suzuki GT185 1975 Restoration on a budget Pt2 - Engine assembly.

[@storkythepunk]

It appears from the sticky goo in the float chamber that the previous owner was mixing the 2 stroke oil with the fuel, which would've given him a lean mixture and causing a seize up.

[@markxtinkering]

Hey storkythepunk, yeh this engine was totalled when I got it, so good chance that happened. From the disassembly damage I saw, the pistons were stuck in the bores and whoever tried to do something with it, finished off the destruction.

[@storkythepunk]

@@markxtinkering Hi, I've had a couple of GT185s in my time, nice bikes, they have a few quirks, don't use spark plugs hotter than NGK B8HS or you'll burn holes through the pistons (been there, the owners manual recommended 7s), on the exhaust the spot weld for the baffle plates can detach leaving a very small circular hole which will stop you going more than 70 mph (no back pressure) I've seen this a couple of times, and the gear linkage from the lever can wear itself oval holes resulting in very long lever movement to change gear, but they are good and reliable, the best I ever got from one was 86 mph on the clock, not quite as fast as the RD200, but you don't see many of those around if any.

[@markxtinkering]

Hey storkythepunk, this is the 1st gt185 I have owned so very much appreciate the tips. The plug heat range is definitely handy to know, I'm in Australia so engines already run hot. I've already seen the shift mechanism ovalled out, fixed 1 part of it with a bushing. Still got a few small bits to do to finish the bike, including these bits. Thanks for your comments and hope you enjoy the videos. Cheers, Mark

[@joseonofrealvesonofrealves1350]

Fantástico esse motor!

[@norseman5041]

question, i just restored the same bike, but it keeps eating points and condensers. Do you know of a electronic replacement for this? I cannot find any anywhere.

[@markxtinkering]

Hey Norse Man, I have not looked for a replacement myself due to not having the bike at riding stage yet...life can really get in the way sometimes. It is very interesting that your bike is going through points and condensers. I have often thought about changing out the condensers but didn't know which way to step. The NOS are so old that they may be a waist of time and money. The "new" ones are often cheaply made and perhaps won't last long or faulty out of the box. So, as such have not gone there yet. As you would know you can keep filing and setting old points but it's always nice to fit a new set over time. I'm guessing the NOS would be fine because they don't go bad due to age. New ones may be made from rubbish materials. My train of thought about condensers is that because they have a value in microfarads, maybe finding something the same value but from something newer, like a chainsaw or something that has good parts backup?? Please let me know if you have a breakthrough on this. I would love to know. Sorry I couldn't answer your question, but sometimes combining ideas leads to a solution. Good luck man, thanks for the comment. Cheers, Mark

[@norseman5041]

@@markxtinkering Hi Mark, i put in NOS originally and they lasted the longest, I have been buying various kinds, but they don't last and such i don't trust to ride the bike very fare. It is a shame, because I would like to use it in the neighborhood.

[@bobcharlesman9086]

Just picked one of these up- any ideas on replacing the alternator?

[@markxtinkering]

As far as new old stock, good luck, 2nd hand is best bet, a few around. There is a special puller for removal, threads into the internal part with a bolt through the middle that jacks against the crank shaft. You can skim the armature contact surface if its damaged. Check out my other videos and especially part 7 for a little more info. Thanks for watching and leaving your comment. Cheers, Mark

[@storkythepunk]

Only just spotted this, but there 2 versions of the generator, one with through bolts, one with side bolts, short bolts = "A" model onward + wider crank.