Should I check my o-rings?

[Cooked]

Hey folks,

As some probably now I am in the process of reinstalling my carbs on a 82 GS650E with 15K on it. (I have never heard it run).

I saw in a nother post recently that someone who had thier carbs off decided they should check out their o-rings (I believe).

Should I do this? And what else would you recommend I look into before getting them (the carbs) back in?

Thanks folks!

~ Russ

[Skyboy8950]

Yes, I was the one who had that post. Do it, cause I found out mine were very, very old and probably were causing problems. Its a quick fix. Good luck!

[tfb]

I wouldn't just check them, I'd replace them as a matter of course. I mean, if you don't know when they were last replaced, chances are they've never been replaced, and that if they're not leaking air then they will be soon!!

They're not that expensive, just do it.

[Steve]

They are less than $2 at Bike Bandit and will last at least as long as the originals, so that's less than 10 cents per year. \\/

Also recommended when you do that is to change those *&%(&%(&$ Phillips head screws to stainless Allen-head fasteners. Not that you will be removing them regularly, but it's still worth the peace of mind. :-D


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[Cooked]

Yeah I did see the recommendation on replacing the philips with allen-head. I was wondering if I should go with stainless or not.

Thanks for the feedback folks... I guess there was a reason my carbs haven't gone back on yet. Will replace the o-rings before moving forward.

Thanks! :-D

~ Russ

[mark]

Make sure you get stock Suzuki manifold O-rings. Something else won't last.

[Cooked]

Okay... that was way to easy!

I used the method of removing one screw and then lightly tap the boot so loosen the screw I couldn't hit with a hammer. I am thinking the boots were probably removed not long ago do to the ease of removal.

I noticed RVT on the o rings... is the norm or did someone try a quick fix?

Also... should I be concerned on the condition of the boots? I will post some pics later on.

Thanks folks!

~ Russ

[mark]

No silicone sealant on the O-rings. A teeny dab of high temp grease or silicone lubricant (not sealant) to hold them in place while you're putting them on.....that's all.

If your boots are cracked, hard, or have rubber chunks breaking off of them....its time to replace them.

[bwringer]

There is no check. There is only replace...

If they had RTV on them, that may have been a misguided PO's attempt to repair them or the boots. Gasoline and gasoline vapor dissolve RTV silicone very quickly.

[Nessism]

This thread should be a sticky!!!

Yup, replace manifold O-rings as a matter of course. Some people do that spray water/WD-40 inspection test but in my experience the test results are not consistent. Replace those buggers and be done with it.

[Cooked]

Ok... as for the boots.. .they are not hard... nor cracked. Three of them do have some black (rubber coating?) missing where the bolts are inserted. This picture is an example. Should I replace? Thanks!

[550ERAT]

Make sure you get stock Suzuki manifold O-rings. Something else won't last.

WHERE CAN YOU GET THESE? MY DEALER TOLD ME THE PART NUMBER IS THERE, BUT THE PART ISN'T AVAIL......

[Nessism]

Ok... as for the boots.. .they are not hard... nor cracked. Three of them do have some black (rubber coating?) missing where the bolts are inserted. This picture is an example. Should I replace? Thanks!

Rubber over the aluminum at the bolt flanges is not strictly necessary but could be indictative of the rubber getting hard and drying up. I'd reuse them if the rubber is pliable but you should inspect closely including looking for cracks while flexing.