Airbox Sealant Replacement

[bertreynalds]

Hey guys,

My recent project is to remove and clean the carburetors, since the bike has been running very herky-jerky and the engine speed doesn't stay constant at idle or at any amount of throttle. While I'm blocked on that project due to a screw-stripping NIGHTMARE on the clamps to the engine intake boots, this post is actually about the goop I found when I separated the airbox from the carburetor:



Anybody have any ideas on

1. how to clean this stuff off?
2. what kind of sealant I should use when I re-install the airbox?

I don't want to get everything hooked back up only to have introduced an air leak.

Any recommendations? Thanks.

[Suzuki Stevo]

No Goop Req, that will cause more problems than it solves
Picking at it with your fingernail should be all it takes to remove it.

[bertreynalds]

My thinking is that a previous owner probably added that stuff while trying to diagnose/fix an air leak. I guess I'll try hooking it up bare and hoping for the best, but if there IS a leak I'll need to apply a sealant, and I'm not sure what would be best for the job.

[Big Rich]

If there is a leak there, then new rubber boots are required. Any kind of sealant on that side of the carbs can be broken down by gasoline and then find its way into the carbs....

[fetor56]

Don't use ANY kind of sealant,that's a potential problem causer.
When u tighten the clamps diagnose for yourself if u think it's sealing nice and tight.If not spacer it up,or if available buy new rubbers.
If your doing your own fix perhaps a ring sleeve cut to size,made from a fuel resistant plastic bottle,about the same diameter.......or whatever's appropriate.
In Oz any plastic bottle with a "1" on the base is fuel resistant.

[bertreynalds]

I guess I'll have to wait until I solve the rest of my carb problem before finding out if I need to buy yet more OEM replacements ::Sigh::

ugh whoever had this bike before me really treated it like shaZam!.

At least now I know what to look for when it comes to a poorly-maintained bike

[Big Rich]

Don't feel too bad Bert. I bought a basket case before and when I went to disassemble the engine, I found a stick and some leaves inside the oil pan. Yes.... shrubbery was inside the engine. 

[X-ray]

Ha! Shrubbery.
"I am Roger the shrubber." (Monty P.  Grail)

[The fink]

I have a good airbox for sale if you're interested.

[bertreynalds]

@fink thanks I'll keep that in mind.

Once I get my carbs out of the bike and clean them, I'll find out upon re-installation if I have an airleak in which case I might be interested. I should know within a week or so. Thanks!