Topic: How do you know if you need new carb insulators/holders?

[denward17]

I am in process of cleaning bike and repairing  few items.

I was thinking of replacing my carb boots/insulators, but not sure if I need to.  I assume they are original to 1978.

They are pretty hard and hardly pliable, is that my clue?

Thanks

[Gary in NJ]

That’s a first clue (although new isolators are hard too). I’ve had old ones that worked, but I used silicone spray to ensure that the carb bank was able to easily slide on. Visible cracks or flairing at the end is a good reason not to reuse. The tell tale sign is a hunting or high idle that can’t be reasonably reduced via the normal adjustments.

[seanbarney41]

yeah, a lot of times nice new boots just make things so much easier.  Old hard ones can be made to work, but they require more care.  Good clamps are important too.