Intake boots

[angus]

When checking intake boots for leak I've been told to spray them with wd40 and if revs pick up I have a leak.Will this test work with choke on or bike been reved by throttle as it's the only way to get bike running.

[Nessism]

Only gross leaks will show that way. First thing is to take off the boots and flex them with your hands and look for cracks and separation of the rubber. If they pass this test install new O-rings. Or just replace them if they are original. The old ones will surely be hard and less flexible than a new set.

[Steve]

I have heard all sorts of things suggested: WD-40, brake cleaner, carb cleaner, ether, etc., etc. I have tried several, but have never had any success. As Nessism suggests, remove them, check them for pliability, replace if necessary. Warning, they are NOT cheap, but if one or more has perished, bite the bullet and replace them all. It's not mentioned in the manual, but probably should be done every 20-25 years, anyway.

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[bwringer]

Agreed; spraying substances only works for spotting large air leaks.