GT 550 crank refurb

The KettleClinic forum, it is free to become a member and free to use, we have additional information available to all members.
If you have not joined yet, do it now.

Please note the email for the signup should arrive within 15 minutes, if not, please check any spam or junk folders, if still not arrived please contact the forum
Post Reply
Stevengt750
Posts: 39
Joined: Sun Dec 16, 2018 2:24 pm
Location: Leamington spa

GT 550 crank refurb

Post by Stevengt750 »

Hi Kettieclinic
I'm in the process of investigating a rattle noise on my 550 J model I decided I was going to put new pistons and little end bearings in as thought this might be the problem . But unfortunately upon investigation of the small end bearings I found the surface in one of the conrods to be really badly worn so will have to have the crank rebuilt. I am able to remove the crank myself but can anybody recommend someone that can rebuild the crankshaft for me and roughly what sort of price this type of job normally costs regards steve
User avatar
Alan H
Posts: 12104
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 6:38 am
Location: Wombwell, Republic of South Yorkshire

Re: GT 550 crank refurb

Post by Alan H »

Baz is very good at that sort if thing, just don't say 'there's no rush'!
Although that goes fir any engine rebuilder!!! :lol:
Proof that four strokes are over complicated
Roger Ackery
Posts: 3693
Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2011 3:40 am
Location: Sydney NSW Australia

Re: GT 550 crank refurb

Post by Roger Ackery »

Alan H wrote:Baz is very good at that sort if thing, just don't say 'there's no rush'!
Although that goes fir any engine rebuilder!!! :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol:
It's a Universal thing Alan :idea: :roll:
I was out on the 750 this morning.....
A real treat when going well ;)
Cheers.
Roger
GT750A.
barney01
Posts: 3118
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:33 pm
Location: Prestatyn.Wales

Re: GT 550 crank refurb

Post by barney01 »

Whereabouts are you located?
NO SMOKE .......NO POKE
User avatar
Alan H
Posts: 12104
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 6:38 am
Location: Wombwell, Republic of South Yorkshire

Re: GT 550 crank refurb

Post by Alan H »

I'm in a hotel in Coleraine with Baz, Scotch, Richard, Big John & the wenches. Why? :?
Proof that four strokes are over complicated
Stevengt750
Posts: 39
Joined: Sun Dec 16, 2018 2:24 pm
Location: Leamington spa

Re: GT 550 crank refurb

Post by Stevengt750 »

Hi Barney
If you was asking me where I am located it's the Midlands Leamington spa cheers Steve
barney01
Posts: 3118
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:33 pm
Location: Prestatyn.Wales

Re: GT 550 crank refurb

Post by barney01 »

I think your nearest will be SEP in kegworth
http://www.sep-kegworth.co.uk/
They have a good reputation and worth a call
Then there is Grampian Motors Liverpool
Also just remembered
Good report's about
http://www.pjme.co.uk/
NO SMOKE .......NO POKE
Stevengt750
Posts: 39
Joined: Sun Dec 16, 2018 2:24 pm
Location: Leamington spa

Re: GT 550 crank refurb

Post by Stevengt750 »

Thanks everybody for your advice and recommendations will give one of them a try thanks
Steve
User avatar
BATTS
Posts: 441
Joined: Sun Jul 15, 2012 6:47 pm
Location: Lancashire

Re: GT 550 crank refurb

Post by BATTS »

One issue to bear in mind is that Suzuki stopped manufacturing con rods for the 550 quite some time ago so OEM are like rocking horse poo, most of the crank rebuilders use a KTM rod which is about 1.5mm longer and needs a thicker base gasket. Read Mike Yeadons sorry tale of a 550 rebuilt using these. There is one crank firm that has a small supply of OEM rods but I cant remember who it is (old age). Cruzin Image make replica rods but for some reason their postage rates have become ridiculous. Some rubbish CI's rods (and more beside) but I've got a set and have had them tested and could find nothing wrong with them. Grampian in Liverpool have built several Kettle cranks for me and I can recommend them, but they use KTM rods for 550's.
Chris
76 GT750, 78 GT550, BMW K1600gtl
User avatar
canaletto5
Posts: 5228
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2013 8:43 pm
Location: Derbyshire

Re: GT 550 crank refurb

Post by canaletto5 »

If you go the Cruzin Image website and register you can buy the kit for a total of 200 dollars including shipping. (I think that is about £160)

https://www.cruzinimage.net/2017/10/17/ ... aring-pin/

They are really quick and so far I haven't been stiffed for import duty cos CI are cute on what they declare
Post Reply