Aribox attaching to carbs - difficult beyond comprehension .....

[ukjules]

Can anyone tell me or does anyone have a good method of making a good seal
with the airbox rubbers and the carbs ?

BIKE = GS550ET 1980 (CV CARBS) Standard airbox and rubbers.

I have to admit I have never , ever had a good seal.
The rubbers are ok , it is just the impossible fact of getting the two middle
carb rubbers on with the airbox.
The two outside ones are reasonably easy.

I refuse to believe that doing this does not put fear into others hearts ?
Everytime I have done it I have always been dissatisfied.
To lower my mood I simply have to do this process and failure will always ensue.

I am thinking that K & N airfilters would solve this damned annoying wrestling with these bas£$%d rubbers.

Does anyone have "the" magic method ?

[jsandidge]

Your rubber boots have likely shrunk due to age. I had great results using wintergreen oil to recondition them.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?169370-Wintergreen-oil-for-revitalising-rubber-parts&highlight=wintergreen

[Buffalo Bill]

It's a long learning process, like playing a clarinet…
I tried oil, but then the boots slip off as easy as they slipped on!!
Dry and clean seems best for me, water might help because it'll dry after you get it on.
One guy showed us his special tool, an ice pick with the point rounded a bit, then bent 90º at the last 1/4-1/2 inch.
I've always wanted to make one of those for myself, but seemed to get the hang of getting them on anyway.

[Nessism]

1) Buy new boots. The parts are called Tube, Outlet A/B. PN 13882-47030 & 13881-47030

2) Clamp the boots to the back of the carbs tightly (no oil on the boots) BEFORE you install the carbs forward into the carb boots on the head.

[Crankthat]

Cannot remember if you need to loosen or detach the rear fender for this to work or not.
The inner rear fender (plastic under fender) has two tabs down low that keep pressure on the frame.
If you gently pry the tabs over the frame you can push the plastic fender back a bit.
It only gives you the tiniest extra bit of room, sure helps though

[Buffalo Bill]

Yeah, the 550 because it's the smallest 4, has got to be the toughest to get on there.
After a few on and offs as you learn how to clean a set of carbs the right way, will get you the hang of it.

[tkent02]

Yeah, it's a poor design too. The fender, air box, battery box and some more little pieces all probably need to be removed or at least loosened get access, then there will be room to put on the new unshrunken and unhardened boots.

[ukjules]

Just noting down all comments.
I did detach the rear fender and battery box.
It seems such a struggle. I will oil up and try that and attach to the carbs before
putting the carbs onto head.
ill re look at the boots but they do look and squash about ok.

thanks.

[Nessism]

If you oil the boots they will slip off the carbs. Want to ask me how I know?

[hampshirehog]

If you oil the boots they will slip off the carbs. Want to ask me how I know?

Just a wild guess Ed but probably the same way I found out.....

Agreed, don't oil 'em.

[rustybronco]

If the air box is plastic you may want remove the boots from it, heat it with a hot air gun and carefully pull the center of it outwards, let it cool and reinstall the boots.

[ukjules]

@rustybronco

I think you are onto something there !
I was thinking of a way of saying - it loks like the middle two are too far back - that the box
has been bent back in !

your statement says it all - thats it i reckon - il try that.

more thinmgs to buy - hot air gun , 5-25nm torque wrench , possible new exhasust ........ hell this rebuild but
i at least want it mechanically sound - looks i am not so concerned about.

thanks all.