Seal expanded after removal ...

[ukjules]

I have just removed all 4 carb to head boots
and the seal has expanded so almost impossible to
use again. Yes I could put in new seals but these
are fine....just stretched it seems by compression.

I have put them in the fridge overnight to see
if they shrink.

Any other ideas ? or do I just order more ....
along with the cam cover gasket I need.
(and yes I am as poor as can be to not want to
buy more seals)

 

[hampshirehog]

Those o rings are really expensive for what they are. Sometimes they can expand as they've absorbed oil (maybe some got in from your oil leak). Try rubbing them with neat fairy liquid to pull out any contaminant then rinse, dry and place in the fridge.

 

[Cipher]

Robert barr orings arent too pricy.
http://www.cycleorings.com/intake.html

your rings have absorbed either a petroleum distillate or alcohol etc
id not refrigerate. id leave them to return to normal in a warm ventilated place.

 

[Nessism]

They have absorbed gas. Put them in an oven at 175F or so and they should shrink back down. I did this with a fuel pump O-ring in my car. After an hour in the oven the O-ring was back to normal size.

 

[ukjules]

That's a great site and information on it
but alas they dont post outside usa.

Mine are in perfect rubbery condition just
expanded.
Unfortunately they have been in my fridge overnight.
after wiping down with brake / carb cleaner .

I'll check how they fare this morning and if
no good try some heat.

 

[roeme]

That's a great site and information on it
but alas they dont post outside usa.
(...)

What? No. He (it's just one guy), just doesn't send fasteners outside the U.S. anymore, reasons outlined on his page. O-Rings are no problem.

 

[Agemax]

That's a great site and information on it
but alas they dont post outside usa.

I have purchased many O ring kits from Robert, no problem. Quick delivery from the USA too, usually around a week.

 

[ukjules]

ok I'll add to my suppiers list


Update on my carb boot to head seals.
Leaving overnight in fridge after cleaning with
carb/brake cleaner worked.

They fit into recess and as still rubbery I'll
use them.

 

[tatu]

Robert is very helpful, I've bought many kits from him he sends them in very good time with helpful diagrams of which o' ring goes where.

 

[ukjules]

I dont suppose anyone knows where to get
a rubber grommet that goes on the wire
coming out of starter motor ?

Or is it really necessary ?
On my other engine they were both missing.
Anyone have a budget idea if it is necessary ?

(this now is the only issue with 2nd engine
install project)

 

[Guest]

I dont suppose anyone knows where to get
a rubber grommet that goes on the wire
coming out of starter motor ?

Or is it really necessary ?
On my other engine they were both missing.
Anyone have a budget idea if it is necessary ?

(this now is the only issue with 2nd engine
install project)

View attachment 61967

That grommet is there to prevent chafing of the insulation from vibration. I guess it also keeps washing water from flooding the cavity before it can run out the mystery hole. I'd take some rubber hose/gas line and open it up. Slide it over and fix it with some silicone. There's only electrons present when the starter is operating so there's no risk of shorts anyway while riding.

 

[Grimly]

Find one in a rubber grommet shop easily enough.
Problem is, all the small local electronic suppliers have disappeared, and that's exactly the kind of thing they used to have boxes of.
Hit up your nearest City Electrical Factors or similar electrical wholesale place and they might have something like that.

 

[ukjules]

Good idea ... tis finding em though .
Will do so though.

Gonna have to think out of the box ....
I'm sure I read a thread somewhere re alternate items ....

 

[Grimly]

It's easy enough to make an erzatz grommet for a hole in a panel by simply stripping some insulation from a twin & earth cable and bend it into around the hole.
In the situation you have there, not sure if it would stay in place.