Fixable airbox? '79 GS750L

[Guest]

I'm working on resurrecting my 'new-to-me' 1979 GS750L. Its in great condition, though not running. It was garaged for 10ish years until I bought it, but the tank was drained (no rust!) and I think the carbs were even cleaned pre-storage, but I cleaned them again just in case.

The only things I can see that need definite cleaning/repairing are the petcock and airbox. I'm currently awaiting a petcock repair kit, although its seemingly impossible to find pre-1980 750L o rings because they have an oddball fuelcock with only "ON" and "RES" settings, no prime setting. Its also shaped differently. I'm going to try some creative problem solving with a '79 750 repair kit, but that's a future problem and possible forum post.

As for the airbox;




The guy I bought the bike from told me I'd need to replace the airbox, but besides the dirt and grime, (and missing side covers) I think its can be salvaged.


I think the boots look ok, but I'm definitely no expert.
I even have a filter I think might work after some TLC.


Looking online I can't seem to find any trace of an airbox or even airbox covers for my year/model. The '79 has Mikuni VM carbs, I think they are 26mm smooth-bore but I need to double check.

Is it going to be possible to clean this airbox and replace the side covers?
If not, can I find an airbox from another year or model that will work? (Hopefully without too much difficulty)

I've looked online and searched the forums and I'm not thrilled about what I've read on pod filters, so I think I'll stay away from those, but of course I'm interested in any other airfilter products/techniques that might be smarter than trying to use this airbox. Thanks for listening! and putting up with my run-ons.

[chuck hahn]

IF the rubber is somewhat pliable still, remove the boots and have it soda or sand blasted inside and out. Then reseal all the seams from the inside with some good RTV. Repaint the entire thing. The side covers are used on many many models , so they should be hrd to come by. Youll need to either get the OEM rubber gaskets or you can lay screen door weather stripping on the inner walls of the covers for a seal.

[Wilson Smith]

Thanks for the quick reply!

I pulled out the boots and they don't look great. They aren't rock hard but pretty damn close. I wish I could make them work but I guess I'm going to have to bite the expensive bullet and get a new set.


Luckily the rubber snorkel on the back is in good condition.

I'm having a hell of a time finding the gaskets, so I'll try and find some good insulating strips as suggested.

Thanks again chuck!
I'm sure I'll have some more

[koolaid_kid]

The end caps are part number 13741-45020
The hoses are part number 13728-45010
Go to BassCiff's list of Suzuki dealers for prices; they vary.
The current favorite seems to be Boulevard Suzuki.

[four_shot]

A box from an 850 will work as a last resort. I ended up getting a 750 box for mine. (Bike came to me with pods ).

I dont remember the boots being very expensive when I replaced them.

[chuck hahn]

you can rejuvenate the rubber with a long soaking in wintergreen oil or glycerine. Soak them for half a day and check to see how much more has been gained,. Then gauge how much longer youll need..but if they soak too long I would fear getting them too soft and slimey.Use the search feature and type in wintergreen oil. Some posts from the ones that have done this with awesome results.

[chuck hahn]

such as this thread.......

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=169370&highlight=wintergreen+oil

[Wilson Smith]

Wow awesome thanks for the link.

When I just googled the boots for sale I saw a bunch of sets for $80ish, and some cheaper $10ish a piece minus the clamps from parts sites. I want to try this Wintergreen Oil business first and if they're too far gone I'll buy new ones.

And thanks for those parts numbers koolaid_kid that was a huge help!

[chuck hahn]

Also see my thread...official Glycerin experiment...3 hrs and rock hard intake manifolds are again pliable.

[azr]

Check out Cliff's site, he's got everything you need on there

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

Here's the walk through on sealing your airbox

http://picasaweb.google.com/roostabunny/GS850AirboxFixup

The side covers are very easy to come by, put a wanted thread up on here, I'm sure someone will answer it in minutes. And there's nothing wrong with the actual airbox filter, looks fine. Just clean it out and reoil it lightly and you'll be good to go. Again it's all on Cliffs site. If you need some parts for your bike feel free to get in touch, I've got a 79' 750L that I've stripped down.

[chuck hahn]

actually Rob..with the UNI FILTER foam around it, you dont oil it..too much restriction and it will be rich as all get out. Ask me how I know. best bet is to just get the regular paper cartridge and dont use the foam at all.

[azr]

Paper cartridge? not sure what that is. I very lightly oil all my filters, just a mist of course but I do oil them. When I get the G up and running again I'll try not oiling it but there didn't seem to be an issue with oiling it as per Suzuki.

[chuck hahn]

Its the same rack as my 77 and 78 have. There are screws on the bottom and the two halves seperate and the filter goes in between. That foam is not needed in reality. Its just an aftermarket skirt.

The OEM is a paper cartridge much like this K&N....NO foam wrap. Ive never read that you oil any paper cartridges on any bike ive ever owned..but now I will recheck the service manuals I have. Got me curious to as if its stated and ive never seen it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-1979-SUZUKI-GS750-K-N-AIR-FILTER-GS-750-SU-1200-/370374605092?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item563c0bf924&vxp=mtr

[azr]

ohh...all the ones I've had have all have foam. They all separate the same as you describe but do indeed have foam.

[chuck hahn]

No foam wraps on the fiches..least none i saw a few minutes ago. Has FILTER... meaning the rack... and ELEMENT listed.