83 850gl airbox

[drmaxdc]

Rebuilding my carbs and I noticed on the air box the filter does not fit snug. There is a tab it slides into on one side and it just hanges on the other. There is a hole in the airbox below that side, I don't know if that is for some kind of holder for a screw there or not. The OEM parts page dosen't show one. I didn't know how air tight these need to be on the L model. There isn't any insulation around the end caps either. Just got this bike and this is my first carb rebuild but I am using the info from this forum to help me with it. Thanks

[Larry D]

Yes, it needs to be sealed all around. This is from Cliff's site.

http://picasaweb.google.com/roostabu...850AirboxFixup#

[2BRacing]

The air filter slides into two grooves on one side of the airbox, and then it is held in place by a small screw on the other side.

[Redman]

Drmax,

Not certain what you mean by the hole in the other end.

But I can say this about GS air filters (from my expereince with 850G and 1100GK):

- filter should have a seal along the top of the filter frame where it mates to the air box. If that seal is missing it will fit loose.

- some aftermarket filters you can get are just the filter media (foam, whatever) that is to be put on the original frame. If the seal is missing, and then you replace just the filter media - you still dont have a good seal. I recommend getting a replacement stock filter for that reason.

- yes, the end covers on the air box are suppose to have seals, and needs to be sealed. I replaced mine with just somewhat ordinary ahdesivebacked weather stripping ment for household doors. Use a sharp razor knife to cut the pieces such that one piece butts up to next piece real well.

.