Topic: CB400F Carbs - Install Tips?

[.RJ]

I picked up a new to me CB400F a few months back and I've been going through the few things that needed attention - I had an air leak somewhere at the carbs and something didnt seem right as well as a fuel leak at one of the bowls so I pulled them and went through everything.  I'm reassembling with new manifold & airbox boots, clamps and new manifold screws.  Removal was predictably a pain in the ass, anything I can do on reassembly to make this easier on myself?  Can I assemble the carbs to the boots and airbox and then slide the whole mess into the frame and bolt the manifolds to the head? 

Pic for attention...

[robvangulik]

I always put the airbox on the carbs when they are off the bike, and then slide the assembly in the frame from the right side. In my eyes the only way to make sure the air inlet is as smooth as possible on all four carbs.

http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,16999.msg145183.html#msg145183

[.RJ]

I pulled the side cover & air filter out, so if I can replace that oval boot through the empty airbox I think that will help.  Will give this a go as soon as the garage warms up out there.

[BenelliSEI]

I prefer to have the rubber manifolds on the engine.  Usually heat them up with a hot air gun. Mine is actually a “paint stripper” so I need to keep it moving! Being careful, I can usually get all four hot to the touch and the carbs usually pop in quite easily. It takes 5-10 minutes of cautious moves with the gun, but worth it! A small amount of a clear silicone grease on the carb noses helps too.

In cool weather, I use the gun on tires too. Sweeping around inside the tire, getting it warm, makes it much easier to get over the rim. My shop is currently about 50F degrees.......

[Jore]

I use a ratchet strap and a bike inner tube for that, first I undo the clamps, then I ratchet the airbox against the frame as to have free space to manipulate the carbs, this way you can slide them in and out easily, to put them back on all I do is put the carbs back in, align the airbox, snake an inner tube inside the box from the air flter side and inflate it, you can use a hair dryer or something like that to heat up the airbox a bit and make it more pliable. I can get them back on like in 10 minutes this way.

[.RJ]

Good tip on the heat gun, I've got one that will melt paint.