Topic: How to soften hardened rubber airfilter box to carbs

[Vincent P]

It's been a couple of years since I've run my 73 CB750 with the air cleaner assembly, but after doing a ground up restore of it, I've decided to put the air filter box unit back on. The rubber tubes going from the box to the carbs have hardened.
Do any of you know how I could soften these back up???
They seem to be a hard item to locate as replacement, so I'm looking at a DIY remedy.

[DJ_AX]

I tried the "wintergreen oil" method on mine.. (search it) ... but they we're already in sad shape with rips and tears ... just made it worse ... it worked great on the heavy rubber between the carbs and the engine...
I ended up just buying some from... parts n more I think .. it's been a couple years..

[Vincent P]

Thanks DJ,

I will research this; I would love to buy a replacement set, but they seem to be a hard item to find!!!

[Gregorymoto]

By new re-pros and save your self a lode time.
http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/CB750K4-FOUR-1974-USA/part_105501/

[Vincent P]

Thanks for the link 

[KC_Northstar]

Thanks DJ,

I will research this; I would love to buy a replacement set, but they seem to be a hard item to find!!!

Like so many of the parts for the cb750K they are still available from Honda.  $7.50 each.
 
http://www.hondabike.com/fiche_select1.asp?cat=Motorcycles&mfg=Honda

[Harsh]

I just received a set of repros that I bought on ebay from a seller named kenosha_kid.  From Germany $34 shipped.  They arrived the other day and were exactly as advertised.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/280623838800?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

[Untold]

I just soaked mine overnight in straight xylene.  Worked pretty well.

[brewsky]

Heating them with a hair dryer and put some silicone spray, wd40 or the like works well for me.

[Vincent P]

Thanks for the links all and the tips; much appreciated.

[Gregorymoto]

Works well for how long? Trust me. If you have the money just buy new ones. When rubber goes it goes. There is no real fix. Soaking in X just brakes the rubber down a bit and makes it softer. That a temp fix. It might work for a month or even 5 years If you never take your carbs off. Ya, buy new ones take care of them and save your self time and energy down the road, or time and energy on the side of the rode.
Good luck all