intake rubbers

[mcneilk]

what is the best way to clean and soften intake rubbers and fuel lines and breather hoses.

[Nessism]

No way to soften them other than temporarily to ease installation (use a hair drier and warm them a little). I recommend replacing the parts if the rubber hardness effects the sealing.

[zuzu]

what is the best way to clean and soften intake rubbers and fuel lines and breather hoses.

One way to clean rubber hoses is WD-40.

[Dave8338]

No way to soften them other than temporarily to ease installation (use a hair drier and warm them a little). I recommend replacing the parts if the rubber hardness effects the sealing.

DITTO...you may be sorting out air leaks if you don't. :?

[chuckycheese]

Yep!

No way to soften them other than temporarily to ease installation (use a hair drier and warm them a little). I recommend replacing the parts if the rubber hardness effects the sealing.

I totally agree with the 'Ness' (and big Dave). For a real fix, you need to replace them.:-|

[bwringer]

what is the best way to clean and soften intake rubbers and fuel lines and breather hoses.

Apply Visa, MasterCard, or cash... :-D

[Suzuki mad]

None that I know. Only way is to replace if you can get hold of them new!

I've managed to source new intake and airbox rubbers, 'O' rings for a 1981 GS1000E. Cost a fortune!!!

Suzuki mad.

[gsgeezer]

I replaced mine.

[MidnightRider]

Fairly good price at JT Motorsports in Alabama.

[bwringer]

Fairly good price at JT Motorsports in Alabama.

That dealer (AKA crotchrocket.com) is well known to many on this site to be rather shiftless, slow, dishonest, and uncommunicative.

There are others with prices just as low and somewhat better service, and there are others with slightly higher prices and excellent service.

http://flatoutmotorcycles.com

Lowest prices, little communication but good service from a real live human, not the fastest, watch for very high shipping costs.

http://www.babbittsonline.com

Low prices, reasonably fast, good service. High shipping costs. They made minor clerical errors in my order and several others that I know of, so watch for corner-cutting.

http://bikebandit.com

Somewhat higher prices, fastest, very low shipping costs, all brands OEM and aftermarket parts and accessories available. Excellent automated communication and service, but don't ever expect to actually talk to or email a human.

There are many others, too, and don't overlook your friendly neighborhood Suzuki dealer. Oftentimes, the shipping costs outweigh any money saved.

[KRISTI'SGS550]

I found this. Might be helpful

Rubber Softener

A traditional problem of restoration has been the deterioration of rubber intake moldings. There is a way to reclaim neoprene rubber components that have hardened with age. The problem is that the synthetic rubber contains plasticiser chemicals, which keep it supple, and these tend to bleed out over the years.

The answer is to soak the rubber in a chemical that will replace the original plasticisers and restore it to its original pliable state. The chemical is available at any camping shop….the silicone waterproofing that is sold for re-proofing tents.

The technique is simple: Soak the rubber all over with the silicone spray, pop it into an air tight bag and let it soak for a few days. You will find that the proofer slowly soaks into the rubber and restores its original suppleness. On badly hardened rubber you may need to repeat the treatment.

http://kawtriple.com/mraxl/tips/rubbersoftener.htm