'83 GS850 GL Air Box Hoses

[Wingsconsin]

Taking apart the 850 to get her ready for summer and found this after noting while removing carbs that the airbox connector hoses all were loose and not really sealed well...

I found I can buy these from Z1 Enterprises -- http://www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDet...=13881-49070X4

Is this as easy as popping out the old ones and popping in the new ones...? It would be better to replace them I think...

[Dogma]

That's an easy swap. Take note of the orientation of the parts coming out. Figuring out which way they go back in is a common question. The new ones should squash easily into a sort of semicircular shape for insertion into the holes. Get the lip of the box started into the groove in the rubber before you let it expand to a round shape again.

I see you have the metal bands which help keep the rubber expanded and sealed against the box. Some people struggle with these and omit them. I don't recommend that, since they prolong the useful life of the rubber by helping to prevent shrinkage. They're not difficult if you know the trick. To remove, grab the loose end with needle-nose pliers. Pull it in a tangential direction that would tend to turn in in the rubber. This will break it loose if stuck, and then you can pretty much just pull it out. Try not to permanently deform it. replacements are cheap, so you may just want to order some. To install, grab one end with the needle-nose again, and start the other end into the rubber with the other hand. If you imagine the end of the ring gripped by the pliers as an arrow, pull it in that direction with the pliers. This will tend to collapse the ring as it overlaps itself, allowing you to work it into place in the rubber. I suppose you could also collapse the ring in one hand, then clamp it with needle-nose vise-grips, install and release. I can't remember why I didn't do it that way.

[Steve]

Carl, Go ahead and get those boots. We can have Dale come up and show us how "easy" it is to install the blasted metal bands when you get here.

.

[Wingsconsin]

More ....

Carl, Go ahead and get those boots. We can have Dale come up and show us how "easy" it is to install the blasted metal bands when you get here.

.

Already on order....
I will give it a try -- but getting them back on before I come to visit is not a requirement so they may wait too...

Here's a little something else I found when reviewing the pictures today....notice the missing fastener on the end of the starter cover...? They previous owner(s) have been in this bike as evidenced by this and the already revealed idle mixture adjustment screws...While it DID run..it wasn't great..but it will be again...

[cowboyup3371]

I agree with Steve and will want to watch Dale take them out without twisting them 7 ways from Sunday. I also left mine out because of it.

[Steve]

I agree with Steve and will want to watch Dale take them out without twisting them 7 ways from Sunday. I also left mine out because of it.

Oh, I can get them out OK, I want to see him put them IN.

.

[Wingsconsin]

seriously asking

If they are that difficult to put in....
how important are they ...?
That is ...do we NEED them ..?
I will try but wouldn't want to wreck the new ones in doing so .

[cowboyup3371]

I don't have any in mine and don't think they have made any difference to operations but I'm not as smart about them as other folks.

[bwringer]

Yes, you need the metal spring bands. Otherwise, enjoy your air leaks when the rubber starts to shrink in a few years.

No, they're not that hard to put in. At least, it's never taken me more than a few minutes. I don't remember if there's a "trick" to it -- I just put them in and go on to the next task. You do have to lubricate the rubber -- a bit of oil is all it takes.

The missing bolt on the starter cover is no big deal. You just need a short 5mm bolt. 10mm long, I think.

You need to rebuild that nasty leaking cam chain tensioner. Instructions:

http://bwringer.com/gs/camchaintens.html

The engine-carb boots look suspect, and those screws may or may not have been replaced (who the hell in their right mind would re-install phillips screws?). If these boots are still flexible, I would replace the o-rings and screws at minimum. And you ARE checking the valve clearances while you're in there, right?

[Dogma]

Steve, I'd make a video showing how easy it is, but neither of my bikes are supposed to have them. I even tried to make some last spring when I realized mine had shrunk, but I didn't have anything resembling a suitable material.

If you'd like to make a video, I could drive up and install a set on Angel for you.

[Wingsconsin]

Addressing specific comments -

You need to rebuild that nasty leaking cam chain tensioner. Instructions:

http://bwringer.com/gs/camchaintens.html

The engine-carb boots look suspect, and those screws may or may not have been replaced (who the hell in their right mind would re-install phillips screws?). If these boots are still flexible, I would replace the o-rings and screws at minimum. And you ARE checking the valve clearances while you're in there, right?

Leaking Cam chain tensioner -- Yes - There are plans for a complete tear down and re-gasket on the engine in the near future to include that an d a few other leaking seals that make me cranky. This bike is new-to-me and it will soon be a very reliable daily rider for my commuting to the various jobs I hold.

Engine-carb boots are actually in pretty good shape. Soft and pliable and in proper form. I have seen worse that worked fine and there are no plans to replace these; however I DO have the O-rings and proper socket head fasteners to change these out.

[Wingsconsin]

More addressing specific comments

Steve, I'd make a video showing how easy it is, but neither of my bikes are supposed to have them. I even tried to make some last spring when I realized mine had shrunk, but I didn't have anything resembling a suitable material.

If you'd like to make a video, I could drive up and install a set on Angel for you.

You may get your chance....
- Steve has agreed to help me with the re-birth of this old classic (and I am grateful).

[Dogma]

It's not in Wisconsin?

[Steve]

It's not in Wisconsin?

No need to make any videos, just make a personal apperance.

Carl will be at my place, with his bike, Thursday, March 6, until Sunday, March 9.

.

[Dogma]

I may be able to run up there Thursday evening. Friday through Sunday, I'm on the road.