Help with airbox

[albi]

Hi,

I've read through the archieves and gotten a few ideas, but none have worked for me so far.

Basically, I'm trying to reinstall the airbox to my GSX1100EZ. I took the carbs off, and softened the rubber boots of the airbox with a hairdryer, but I simply cannot get the $#@*!! back on.

Does anyone have some secret trick they can share with me?

Thanks,Alex

[Mark Harrop]

Are you deforming the airbox trying to force it on?

What exactly is the problem?

[Big T]

Hi,

Does anyone have some secret trick they can share with me?

Thanks,Alex

New boots. It's that simple. Soft, pliable boots of the right diameter are the secret.

Kinda of like putting on someone else's shoes that are 2 sizes too small and patent leather

[albi]

Are you deforming the airbox trying to force it on?

What exactly is the problem?

Basically, the boots don't seem to line up with the carbs. I get one on, and the others are off - I finally get them in line only to discover that the others have come off!

Maybe I'll have to get new boots as suggested. I wonder if they're still available?

Thanks.

[four_shot]

I read somewhere that the boots were side specific...something about a letter cast into them denoting "L" or "R"? I dunno i'm probably way off base.

[chef1366]

The boots are still available.
I threw the airbox for pods and a jet kit.

[jetta90]

............uuuhhhh........if I understand you correctly you have the engine mounted to the frame and you are trying to get the air box back in to fit within the frame, right?

If the above is what you're trying to do I can tell you that on my 1984 GS 750 E you can't get the air box into, or out of, the confines of the frame if your engine is still mounted where it should be. It comes very close but not close enough to get it in/out with the engine still in place. It could be different between my 750 and your 1150 but this might be the case.
Someone else also mentioned that the intake rubbers are designated as being "L" for left side and "R" for right side carbs. I would watch for that as well.

[Roostabunny]

I read somewhere that the boots were side specific...something about a letter cast into them denoting "L" or "R"? I dunno i'm probably way off base.

That's true on my 850. They also had tiny alignment dots on the other side (opposite the letter) that aligned with similar tiny dots on the airbox. New boots can help a lot, but even the new ones will drive you batty if they're installed on the wrong sides or upside down.

[Mark Harrop]

I've tried the "boiling with wintergreen oil" for my cb750 rubber manifolds and it seemed to soften them up a tad,

...or hot armour-all works too, heated in a double boiler.

I went with pods too because that airbox is such a PITA.

[uudfourty]

Folks have used radiator hose to go from airbox to carbs.

No reported ill-effects to date.

[albi]

Thanks for you suggestions all. I've ordered some new rubbers from suzuki (pretty cheap) so I'll see how it goes. I have pods too, however, can't currently afford the cost of a rejet at this point. Without the rejet, it runs fine down low, but as soon as you open her up, has a massive flat spot.

Thanks again,

[Steve]

it runs fine down low, but as soon as you open her up, has a massive flat spot.

When you get to that flat spot, add a little bit of choke to see if it helps.
If it does, you are definitely running lean.
If it's worse, you are already running too rich.

.

[bdalameda]

Most old dry hard rubber parts can be softened up by soaking the part in glycerin. You can buy glycerin in most pharmacies. I was given this tip by an antique car restorer. I have not tried it on GS manifolds yet but it is worth a try.
Dan