Topic: I Can't Pull My #$&@%* Carbs Off!

[johnnyvince]

Anybody got an idea on how to pull 750 carbs that just won't pop off? Hoping I won't have to take a hacksaw to the insulators...

I've removed the throttle cables and airbox, loosened the clamps all the way, on both ends of the insulators. Sitting on the frame and pulling as hard as I can backwards, I can pull it up and down pretty far, but just can't get the carbs to pop off. It probably doesn't help that the insulators are probably 41 years old, and it's 30 degrees out in the garage (Minnesota, don'tcha know?).

Or, at this age, are the insulators so hard that they're likely to leak when I reinstall them? Any tips would be appreciated, though I won't have time to try again until tomorrow night.

[johnnyvince]

Sorry, I just found a ton of posts on this topic, after searching for 'boots' instead of 'insulators'. Wintergreen oil, hot water, xylol, etc. Still learning my way around the forum, grateful for the collective knowledge. 

[harisuluv]

Wintergreen soak is only going to help you after you already have them off.

To get them off heat them up.  Try using a hair dryer and warm up the rubbers.  This will bring back some flexibility.  Get a spray bottle and put some soapy water in it.  You don't have to get crazy with the soapy water but a little will help with the now softened rubbers.

Should come right off.  If not you can gently pry with something that won't hurt the fins or gouge anything metal i.e. a broomstick or something wood.  Use your best judgement and common sense to pick your pry points and don't damage anything.

[Shane72]

Ratchet straps (2, one each way so you don't twist) have always been there for me on the toughest carb bank removals.

Route them carefully, making sure to spread the forces as evenly as possible.  One lever on each side, hooks anchored to something solid, soft straps around the carb bodies.

Works to put them on too, but if they're that stiff, better do something about that first.

All the best,

Shane

[Bankerdanny]

Heat will help. Use a hair dryer to warm up the rubber.

[KrautKoffin]

Shane's method works best.

[johnnyvince]

Thanks guys...a hairdryer and ratchet straps sounds like a surefire plan! I've got 2 nights to get the bike apart and into the basement, before the weather here dips into the single digits for the foreseeable future.   

[Sgt.Pinback]

Buy new ones (or wait until summer).

Remember: Popping - out is much easier then getting them back.

[jamesbekman]

Think of it this way... They are still on the bike and you still have all the skin on your knuckles...  You can use a piece of wood as well for leverage and or a hammer on the piece of wood but if you do so, be careful...  Very careful.

[Black 750K8]

Buy new ones (or wait until summer).

Remember: Popping - out is much easier then getting them back.

Hope it is not a 77-78

[johnnyvince]

Got it done! A few minutes heating the hoses with a hairdryer, followed by a wooden stake wedged against the cam chain tensioner holder, and they popped right off without any damage.

Everything else is coming off easily. Engine should be out tonight. Thanks for all of the great tips, guys!

[lucky]

You can buy turbo boots for cars that will be easy to use because they are made with silicone. I have done it.

[Don R]

 Going on I use a 2x4 across the face of the carbs and insert a pry bar from above using the frame as a fulcrum. A little silicone grease does wonders. That said, new or softened ones would be way better.

[LesterPiglet]

Standiing in front of the bike I push each side of the carb bank with my foot, never fails.

[Djfob]

You can buy turbo boots for cars that will be easy to use because they are made with silicone. I have done it.

That's a good idea, 3 ply silicon is tough. Used them on a few turbo civics.