Revitalizing old rubber parts

[GS750GUY]

GS750GUY here again!
Do any of you experienced guys or gals out there have any time proven tips for revitalizing old rubber parts. I have removed the carb boots that go between the carbs and the air box on my 1978 GS750EC and notice that one was nice and soft an pliable and the other three were hard as a rock. With some cleaning and soaking in silicone and other lubricants and with a tremendous amount of handwork I was able to get one more to a state of being half way pliable. It's no wonder I could not get the carbs connected to the air box last fall. I would just replace them if I could find some.
I appreciate any advice and your wisdom.
Thanks!
GS750GUY (Harold)

[Steve]

Good luck restoring them. Usually, after they have gotten hard, they tend to crack, so I would be rather leary about using one, even if you managed to soften it up. I believe they are still available from Suzuki or other places, but are likely about $20 or so a piece. Not to worry, though, they should last at least as long as the originals did. \\/


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[mortation]

I have never used it on something that is so dry it is hard (Like Steve says once rubber hardens its trash) but for the most part WD-40 has always made rubber tid bits nice and useful again I once heard you can soak rubber in brake fluid then let it dry but I have never tried it.

[cafe850]

I had a problem with my old intake boots. I tried everything then finally an old harley guy told me to soak them in simple green. I soaked them for 5 days and all it did was make them slimy. I agree, I think once they're gone, they're gone.

[chef1366]

Throw them away and buy some new ones. It's not worth the hassle.

[bwringer]

Vigorous use of your Visa card -- it's the only way. They can't be "revitalized" or repaired.

Intake boots are just something every GS needs every 20 years or so. The same goes for the petcock.

Don't waste money and time and risk serious engine damage by dinking around with these.

[cberkeley]

Just got a set for the GS650, Bike Bandit $22.00. Depending on the condition of the clamps, you may want to replace those too, I did, they're about $1.20 each at Bike Bandit.

[REDDY]

I have soaked rubber parts in carb cleaner (accidently) and they swelled up and became very tender. After letting them dry for a week or so after washing in water, they were pliable and slightly larger. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS but it seemed to work. Maybe some chem guy can explain whats going on.

[Chris Bohane]

Slingers in Preston have them in stock at about £6 each. I have just bought some for the 850.
Regards,
Chris

[GS750GUY]

Carb boots

Thanks guys. I tried Bike Bandit. They don't have mine. Any other ideas for souces for new ones? Or should I just pitch the old air box and boots and buy the individual K&M filters? Would that require I reget my carbs?
GS750GUY (Harold)

[chef1366]

What year and model is your bike?
Yes, you'll have to rejet with K&N pods.

[cberkeley]

Thanks guys. I tried Bike Bandit. They don't have mine. Any other ideas for souces for new ones? Or should I just pitch the old air box and boots and buy the individual K&M filters? Would that require I reget my carbs?
GS750GUY (Harold)

alpha-sports.com ....a bit more expensive than Bike Bandit

[themess]

Old, hard rubber doesn't revitalize. Oxygen and ozone have broken it down chemically. Hydrocarbon solvents can be absorbed and soften it, but in the long run, all they do is to increase the rate of degradation and further weaken the part.

Good rubber parts are made with chemical anti-oxidants and anti-ozonants mixed in the rubber. Keeping rubber out of sun, and away from ozone and heat helps. It helps a lot.

[Nicholaschase29]

Usually if you mix bleach and ammonia togeather that works really well...8-[

[Nicholaschase29]

^^ dont do that!

you could try ebay for them, I saw that they had them for my bike on bikebandit too..