Have the manual in front of me so looked it up. It states to initially tighten to 11 lb/ft (1.5 kg/m) then to tighten to 19.0-21.5 lb/ft (2.6-30 kg/m). Hope this helps.

 

On the 1987 Zilla.... the one you have in your pics, the head gaskets leaking were a big problem. A new head gasket properly torqued is only a temporary fix... if that [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]

1987 LT 500 pull the 6 SMALL[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img] 8mm cyl studs out. Also these studs/threads stretch and then don't hold thier torque.

The cheap fix is to replace w/3/8 NF or 10 X 1.25 cyl studs/nuts [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Another expensive fix is to replace the 1987 LT 500 head and cyl with a 1988 or newer set that come with 7 studs to correct this problem. Some say the 87 cyl can make more hp. To me hp with out durability is worthless.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

JMHO

 

you mean my $60 gasket wont last ?!?!?
CRAP !!
This summer, I dont want to do wrenching... so should I change the studs now ??


The other day my local mechanic told me to check the piston to head gap but I dont remember the number he said... if the head has been planned many times that would bump the compression up a lot.

I just took a small tin welding wire and squeezed it between the piston and head. The gap is about .085 in. is this too small ??
I'll do a compression test this afternoon. I guess I'll have to go shopping for cool heads hehe

oh and yesterday I torqued the head bolts to 10-15, then 22-25. It seems good.

 

What allcool said. They '87 had 1 less head stud which creates problems.
I'm sure as you have heard, there are many other issues with the 500s.
As far as the head studs, you can either replace w/3/8 NF or 10 X 1.25 studs/nuts.
You can get them from Suzuki.
They are 10 X 40mm.
Part# 09108-10066

 

The compression is phenomenal... I can barely kickstart it
but I can't have accurate numbers cuz I cant find my threaded compression gauge.

I think I'm going to change the studs... not sure. (if I'm going to blow gaskets all the time, I guess I'll change them)

Whats the procedure to do this ? can I do it myself ?

Is it like..... you remove the studs with vise grips, drill and tap for the new stud ?

 

My 87 zilla head had bigger studs put in them but it was threaded bar and when threaded bar,pressure and heat mix it begins to strech. I took it into my machine shop guy and he measured the bolts and showed me how much they had streched. Now he is getting new studs for me. check it out it cold save you a lot of money in the long run. Also check that your head is not warped. Have a machine shop look at it for you.

 

I'll do so.
Thanks for the help guys

 

my 87 hasnt blown a head gasket, not since ive had it or the previous owner...... i check them every week or so to make sure there still tight

 

What's the best...
Torque a little less, a little more, or same as specs ?
I remember I read somewhere that you may tortque more than recommended by the manual.
but with my 6 litle studs motor, .080 over, and a bunch of compression.. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

I found on my '87 to use an OEM Suzuki gasket, spray it down with copper coat, and torque it to factory specs. No more issues. BTW, it made 205 psi cranking compression[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]