Topic: Replacements for inlet manifold rubber (carb to cyl head) 1977 K7

[nikcorg]

I'm tempted to pull out the carbs off my bike for cleaning and refurbishing, but I'm reluctant to do so, because I can't find replacements for the rubbers between the carbs and the cyl. head.

The carbs have been off once before -not by me, mind you, I had the cam chain professionally replaced- and I was told it was quite the pain to reinstall them, due to the current rubbers being rock hard.

DSS and CMSNL only have parts in stock for carbs 1 and 3, 2 and 4 are not available anywhere that I can find. Carpy and a few others sell sets for bikes up until 1976, and 1979 and up, but my bike is a 1977 K7.

Surely, there has to be an appropriate replacement part that will fit, or can be adapted to fit. Any tips?

[liPPy]

Sorry nikcorg as a k8 owner I can say with 100% certainty that those rubbers are no longer available!

Other members have had success soaking the old rock hard boots in wintergreen green oil and acetone. Do a search on "soften rubbers" for more information.

[mrrch]

Get 2 sets of 1's & 3's and flip the second set upside down for 2 & 4. Not perfect but will work (done by many)

[mrrch]

[brewsky]

Don't be afraid, it's all in the technique.

My K8's are also hard, but I've had them off multiple times, due the joy of jetting pods and aftermarket exhaust.

Here's my routine:
1. remove seat and tank
2. remove airbox (including airbox rubbers)
3. remove cables
4. loosen carb side clamps (leave engine side clamps tightened)
5. spray WD40 or silicone spray around the carb to rubber joints)
5. heat the intake rubbers well with hair dryer or heat gun (be careful   with a heat gun not too hot)
6. straddle bike and grab carb bank, one hand on each side, and work them up and down till they come loose. (I also use leather work gloves)
7. Reverse procedure to re-install. (I strap the centerstand to the front of the frame to make sure the bike doesn't rock forward off the stand when re-installing. You will feel them pop back into place when they reach home position.)

The key is the heat and lube. I have also used Ru Glyde tire sealing spray with success.

I have tried the wintergreen/acetone for other parts, but wouldn't risk it on the intake rubbers.

[Tugboat]

+1 on the wintergreen oil/xylene trick. Read up on it, and don't worry if you soak 'em too long and the get all swolt up... leaving them out for a couple of days will have them back to their original shape, with a nice minty aroma. Good luck!

[nikcorg]

Thanks for your tips everyone.

I'll check out the rubber softening and reconsider pulling the carbs off without replacement rubbers.