Topic: 550F airbox/breather

[jonda500]

Finally got rid of my makeshift snorkel - the new one came (thanks Scott!) and I attached it with two bicycle seat quick release adjuster knobs. I can confirm that this snorkel is an important part if you want to be able to use full throttle with #98 mains - seems to run even better now - I need to do a full throttle plug chop but frankly I am too scared to perform this task anywhere in the city and will have to do a trip to a nice quiet country road somewhere.
I fitted a new drain tube to the plastic air chamber drain - it comes with a little foam filter stuffed in the end that attaches to the air chamber - maybe that helped a bit too..
The airbox drain I will hook up the bite valve & tube from my hydration backpack to.

What I can't work out is how to route the tube that goes from the engine breather to the elbow at the base of the airbox. Does anyone know how this hose is originally routed? maybe down between the #3&4 carbs and the airchamber?

[Scott S]

 Your welcome, Jonda!
 Yes, the breather goes between the 3/4 carbs and down....then to the RH side of the air box and on to the elbow that attaches there. I can snap a pic if you have trouble visualizing it.

[PowerMax]

Is that considered carbs 3&4 on the right side of the engine (when seated on the bike) or is that carbs 1&2?  I guess my question is - when seated on the bike - is carb #1 on the left side or the right side of the bike?

[Stev-o]

...when seated on the bike - is carb #1 on the left side of the bike?

yes

[joeyvans]

I fitted a new drain tube to the plastic air chamber drain - it comes with a little foam filter stuffed in the end that attaches to the air chamber - maybe that helped a bit too..

Thanks for that info, Jonda! I thought it was just an open tube. Just ordered one from JT Marks because of this bit. Any response about where the air chamber breather is routed? Does is just go towards the right side, or back down in front of the swingarm like the carb overflows/breathers?

[flatlander]

here are 2 pictures that might help you - but i think you're on the right track now anyway.

[jonda500]

Thanks flatlander   -I just went out to clark rubber and picked up some 3/8" fuel/emission tube and I can see from the pic that it heads down in front of the carbs #3&4 if you have the later model breather cover.
My breather cover has the outlet on the other side, but now that I have nice new flexible tubing I am sure I'll be able to figure out a suitable route using trial and error!

[flatlander]

... as long as you don't put any unnecessary bends and kinks in it, it should be fine.
does the partslist show the routing for your model?

[jonda500]

the parts list gave me no clues except a part number and description (TUBE 12x420) on the cylinder head cover page. I ended up from the breather running it down the middle in front of the carbs but behind the fuel line that goes to #3&4 carbs, then under the carbs like the one in the bottom picture.
So now the only smoke I will ever smell or see, if any, will come out the exhaust!

[flatlander]

cool, congratulations! enjoy the smoke-free environment

[Duanob]

... as long as you don't put any unnecessary bends and kinks in it, it should be fine.
does the partslist show the routing for your model?

100% make SURE there are no bends or kinks in the breather hose. Pressure can build up and start forcing oil out from all over the place.