Re installing Carbs

[Guest]

So I've got my carbs all cleaned up and ready to go back on the bike but I am finding it nearly impossible to get the air box boots back over the carbs. It's almost as if the rubber has shrunk. Any one have any tips or tricks for this? Or am I better off finding an air box in better condition?

[Nessism]

The boots tend to shrink with aging. You might want to purchase new ones, assuming they are still available.

When installing carbs I find it easiest to first install them into the airbox boots and then tighten the clamps. Then pull both the carbs and airbox forward together and get the carbs into the boots attached to the head. You may need to use a pry bar of some sort but hopefully not.

Good luck

[Gregory]

Ditto to what nessism said... with the addition of trying a little oil or grease or anything slippery on the boots.

[blowerbike]

go crazy with wd-40...slick is good!

[Nessism]

Don't grease up the airbox boots or they will never stay on the carbs.

[chuck hahn]

Heat gun to soften them so they can stretch over.

[blowerbike]

Heat gun to soften them so they can stretch over.

i have to use the same Technique on condems

[mikerophone]

I use a bit of silicon spray, warm them slightly if possible, but don't go crazy with the heat - some people report success by putting them in hot water as well.

I wouldn't use the pry bar personally - I use the ratchet strap method to pull them forward. Just wrap the strap around the carb rack assembly CAREFULLY and attach back to itself or something stable, then crank. They'll slide right in, just make sure you keep them at the correct angle as you crank so you don't damage the boots or clamps.

[JMHJ]

I've only done it twice, but I greased everything lightly with Vaseline.

I tried slipping them in from the side with the clamps already on the airside boots, but the fit was so tight, that made it hard to keep the boots in place on the box properly.

I unbolted and tied my airbox as far aft as it would go with wire ties, then slipped the carbs in (no clamps on the airside boots) and worked them into the engine side boots first (also greased) by hand.

Then I cut the box free and pushed the boots onto the carbs after positioning the clamps.

The second time was easier. Twice was necessary since I took ill-advised carb cleaning shortcuts and the first job didn't take.

Matching the boot grooves to the airbox was easier when I rotated the boot while trying to pop it in place, then worried about lining it up properly (mine are sort of egg-shaped; not sure about others).