Airbox Installation

[Mike Curtis]

OK guys Iam about to give up and start the pod topic again.
I am having a terrible time getting the air box outlet tubes to match up with the carb inlets and attached.
These are probably the original plastic tubes are there any replacements out there? Are they made out of semi hard plastic? Any substitute?
Do these age harden over the years and this may be a problem?
I'm really open for any sugestions.
Do we have any shop locally in Dallas area that may have these replacements?

[Guy]

Don't know what bike you have, but on the GS1000 they're concentric. Measure the carb centres and the twirl each rubber around 'till you get them to line up. Even if they've age hardened you should be able to get them in if you persevere.

[IanFrancisco]

Even on my GS450 with only two carbs, boots, etc. the airbox is a real bastard to get on. Takes a lot of muscle and swearing, at least at first. I've finally developed a technique. To get the carbs out I loosen all the boot clamps, remove the airbox screws holding it to the frame and straddle the bike, then move the airbox back as far as it will go, about 1.5 in. which gives me barely enough room to get the carbs out. Putting it back together is the reverse but the boots, mine are rubber, will try and get caught on the lips of the carb inlets. I have to wrestle them to stop them from snagging, then straddling the bike again, give a hard push to move the airbox forward into its original position. It also helps to wiggle the airbox up and down while pushing forward. Even though I've done it a few times and know what to do, it's always a workout! Maybe some kind of lube on the boots might help. I still think it's less hassle than trying to rejet the carbs. If you buy pods you'll probably end up removing and replacing the carbs many times before you get the jetting right, especially on a 4cyl. bike.

[JayH]

You can still get some rubber parts for the airbox on some of the old GS bikes. What bike do you have?

[earlfor]

Re: Airbox Installation

The airbox to carb rubber boots harden with age and can reach a point of petrification that will make it impossible even for King Kong with a prybar to wedge back into place. Ask me how I know... :-). Anyway, the boots are available at probably the cheapest price on the internet at

http://www.crotchrocket.com/fiche_select.asp

There is a catch to this though. I ordered from them twice and eventually received both orders, but I must caution you that they are the slowest, most unorganized, least customer friendly dealer on the internet I have ever encountered and personally, I will burn in Hell before I will order from them again. However, if you cannot find the boots anywhere else, they likely will have them. Expect 3 to 6 weeks to get an order from them and no one in the meantime will know what is going on or care if they help or answer your questions. They also cannot/ or will not trace an order.
They do know how to charge your credit card instantly though. LOL

Forget a refund if by chance you never get your order. :-)

I prefer to place orders through cycle recycle in Indianapolis. They only list items in their online catalog that they have on hand. http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/
However, they have a lot of items in small quantities they do not list, so your best bet is to give them a call at 317 634 7550. Ask for Rob, he's the owner and a super nice guy. If he doesnt have it, if he cant get it for you, it cant be had. :-) I usually get in stock orders from them in three days. They answer their phone. You will not get a machine.

Crotchet rocket.com is cheaper, but CRC2 beats them on all other points.

Earl

OK guys Iam about to give up and start the pod topic again.
I am having a terrible time getting the air box outlet tubes to match up with the carb inlets and attached.
These are probably the original plastic tubes are there any replacements out there? Are they made out of semi hard plastic? Any substitute?
Do these age harden over the years and this may be a problem?
I'm really open for any sugestions.
Do we have any shop locally in Dallas area that may have these replacements?

[Mike Curtis]

Airbox Installation

I ordered new carb intake boots but need one more question answered can anyone tell me what the width of the band clamp that connects the boot to the intake of the carb.
I'm working with one that looks like a over the counter clamp and it's probably 3/8" wide.