Okay, I shouldn't be this helpless, but here I sit. How the hell do I reattach the airbox to the carbs? And don't say, "just unscrew the clamps, slide it on, and screw the clamps back down." Please don't say that because that is what I'm trying to do and I'll be damned if I can get the stupid thing on the carbs. What am I missing here? Do I need to do a little song and dance to get these pieces to fit?
No, they are a pain in the ass to reinstall.
The easiest way to do it is to hook up all your hoses and everything (except for the 3 going to the fuel tank) and pop the carbs off the motor. Then attach the carbs TO the airbox snugly. (don't tighten them all the way.
Now, as a unit, point the carbs down towards the starter and ensure that the little cut-away in the left side of the airbox misses the mounting position for the petcock (you MUST have the petcock removed to reinstall the airbox as well...)
then kinda wiggle it's way down into place. Once it's in the frame you can push the carbs back into the intake install the bolts to the airbox and petcock.. then snug all your clamps down tight.
It's really a pain, but this is the only way to ensure proper fit.
I've tried time and time again to install the box after the carbs are in and I always end up pinching one or both of the boots going onto the carb and they won't go over the lip to seal correctly... so use caution and take your time!
:cheers:
(http://www.angelfire.com/mt2/mikesgs500/rejetting/DSCF0121.JPG)
(http://www.angelfire.com/mt2/mikesgs500/rejetting/DSCF0122.JPG)
Pics borrowed from "poor man's jetting pictoral" in the wiki under Jetting.
I used a hairdryer to soften up the seal on the airbox when I used to run the stock filter. I also put the airbox on the carbs, then installed it all as one unit
Yeah, the stock airbox is a giant pain to get back on the bike. Get a friend to help you from the other side of the bike... That's what I did. Other than that, it is just a bunch of swearing, and pulling, and prying with your fingernails to get it on. The rubber seal likes to go on inside the carb instead of outside and you have to pry it to the outside all the way around. Huge pain.