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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: rancherchaos on December 08, 2006, 12:29:29 PM

Title: restoring carb boots
Post by: rancherchaos on December 08, 2006, 12:29:29 PM
i need to restore the hardened boots on an air box so they will fit onto the carbs.  they are stiff and have shrunk a little over time with out being on the carbs. Is there anything that i can spray on them or soak them in to restore there flex and size?
Title: Re: restoring carb boots
Post by: 3imo on December 08, 2006, 12:31:32 PM
 :dunno_white: I don't have a clue but I'd like to know too. :cheers:
Title: Re: restoring carb boots
Post by: Wondertwin on December 08, 2006, 01:30:14 PM
Put them in boiling water until they soften-up and reassemble while warm.  I've heard it works, though I've never tried it.  Consider it an experiment! :D
Title: Re: restoring carb boots
Post by: The Buddha on December 08, 2006, 01:49:01 PM
I'd try armor all. if that fails, maybe try wd40. OK you could do wd40 then armor all. They will swell greatly when you dunk them in gasoline. But it may not be the best thing for it. It may fall apart.
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: Re: restoring carb boots
Post by: tussey on December 08, 2006, 01:49:58 PM
Quote from: rancherchaos on December 08, 2006, 12:29:29 PM
i need to restore the hardened boots on an air box so they will fit onto the carbs.  they are stiff and have shrunk a little over time with out being on the carbs. Is there anything that i can spray on them or soak them in to restore there flex and size?

buy K&N problem solved  :thumb:
Title: Re: restoring carb boots
Post by: cafeboy on December 08, 2006, 02:19:22 PM
I'd put some gear on!  :nono: :nono:
Title: Re: restoring carb boots
Post by: Blueknyt on December 08, 2006, 03:25:00 PM
water doesnt even have to be boiling, but very hot.  heat makes the rubber plyable for a short term, but, make sure your ready for them to go on.


im looking for a set of Intake boots myself (between head and carbs)
Title: Re: restoring carb boots
Post by: Wondertwin on December 09, 2006, 12:56:33 AM
I think the carb mounts are $13 each from ronayers.com last time I checked.  Better price than ones for most other bikes!

Regarding the airbox, I would agree that the K&N lunchbox is the most elegant solution, and at $28 shipped, it's economical!  However, you'll need a crankcase breather filter ($10 at the Autozone) and will have to rejet the carbs for the bike to run properly afterwards.
Title: Re: restoring carb boots
Post by: Jughead on December 09, 2006, 01:07:08 AM
Try using Silicone in the Spray Can.Silicone based Tire Shine stuff may work as Well.One of the Boards I visit said to Boil them in water and Add Wintergreen Oil from your Local Pharmacy.I really don't know if that will work or Not but it will make them Smell good. :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: restoring carb boots
Post by: fourqbt on December 09, 2006, 08:17:19 AM
 :2guns:

Avin not read all the replies here (only a few) forgive me if I am repeating things.
However, WD40 is a mineral oil base and WILL encourage the rubber to perrish.
The best suggestion I have read on here is exactly what I do... warm the boots up and fit them while they are still warm. It has worked for me on several bikes without rotting or splitting the rubber.Also, the idea of changing to K&N's is great but then you have to re-jet which is costly when looking at the price of hot water to fix what you already have  :thumb:
Title: Re: restoring carb boots
Post by: Blueknyt on December 10, 2006, 02:08:03 PM
jets can be purchased for 20ish$ most come in 4 packs so if you find someone else who wants to jet you can split the cost
Title: Re: restoring carb boots
Post by: Chuck on December 10, 2006, 08:11:57 PM
Quote from: Blueknyt on December 10, 2006, 02:08:03 PM
jets can be purchased for 20ish$ most come in 4 packs so if you find someone else who wants to jet you can split the cost

Not exactly a rejet thread, but you can buy single jets for $3.25 (mains) and $4.75 (pilots) at flatoutmotorcycles.com.  So if you know what you want you can rejet for $22.50 + shipping.