finding air leaks?

[Fenixgoon]

bike is a 1982 GS650G with the CV carbs. i'm pretty sure there's a method that involves spraying something (WD40?) around the airbox boots and listening for changes in the idle. if the idle changes, that indicates a leak.

just wanted to confirm this method before i do some testing. i have brand new boots all around, but have been having trouble getting a good seal. it's almost to the point where i'm ready to just give up and buy a new bike, but i love the GS so much! i took my bike out today to test out my new airbox/boots install, and while i was riding, if i clutched in the engine speed would rise to ~5000rpm. and a standstill, though, the idle was a normal 1000rpm. i can only imagine that's an obvious indicator to air leaks.

any tips for getting a good seal between my airbox and carbs? those boots are a PITA to get on (or maybe i'm not doing something right, hmmm)

if anyone happens to be in the Southern Maryland area and knows how to do this, i'd super appreciate some help.

[Nessism]

You have new intake boot pipes w/new O-rings? New airbox boots? Where are the pilot screws set? 3 turns open?

WD-40 will show if you have a gross leak, but not a minor one. In my experience spraying stuff to judge air leaks is unreliable.

[Fenixgoon]

You have new intake boot pipes w/new O-rings? New airbox boots? Where are the pilot screws set? 3 turns open?

WD-40 will show if you have a gross leak, but not a minor one. In my experience spraying stuff to judge air leaks is unreliable.

yes, new intake boots w/ o-rings and airbox boots.

by pilot screws do you mean idle mixture adjusters, or do you actually mean the pilot screws?

with the exception of the idle mixture screws and carb sync screws, everything on the inside of the carbs is threaded to lightly seated.

[Nessism]

These ones...

[Fenixgoon]

These ones...

I believe they are 2.5 turns out. Never hurts to go through things again though :P

[salty_monk]

Also make sure the ends haven't snapped off in there. I take it the carbs are clean with all new O rings installed?

Check one of the air box boots is not rucked up on the bottom of the inner two leaving an air gap.. That can happen.