Author Topic: Carbs won't slide on all the way  (Read 974 times)

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Offline AlekStooge

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Carbs won't slide on all the way
« on: July 23, 2023, 07:45:55 AM »
1978 CB 550K.

I have new OEM boots that I had on before and ran only in the garage. I rebuilt the carbs and for the life of can't get them back on past that final manifold lip. Here is the rebuild project thread if any one is interested. http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,183457.25.html

I tried all the know methods. I put the bike against the garage door. I greased them. I took them off put them in hot water and then heat gun. I failed a ratchet around the head and intake throats. The only thing I haven't done is freeze the manifolds. Any one have other methods?

Do you guys typically put the boots on the carbs then the manifold or slide the carbs into the boots? I've tried both.

Offline Scootch

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #1 on: July 23, 2023, 08:10:37 AM »
I put the isolators on the carbs. Then used channel locks on the isolators to rock them side to side while pushing on the carbs. In doing that the boots slipped all the way onto the head.

Offline Floshenbarnical

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #2 on: July 23, 2023, 08:57:11 AM »
I seem to have done this twice a week for two months. My method:

- Lube intake ports
- Isolators on carbs
- Connect cables
- Get either 1 or 4 “started” eg lightly seated
- Wiggle up and down while applying horizontal pressure in whatever direction is required
- I do this while sitting astride the frame
- Take a short break if frustrated
- Relax with beer
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Offline Tracksnblades1

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #3 on: July 23, 2023, 11:26:46 AM »
On 750’s, the awesome power of leverage is quite effective seating their carburetor racks….

Probably equally effective on 550’s depending on any usable leverage points…
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Offline AlekStooge

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2023, 03:33:30 PM »
Still no luck but I found sitting on the front tire and pulling works better than pushing.

Offline Tracksnblades1

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2023, 04:37:19 PM »
Still no luck but I found sitting on the front tire and pulling works better than pushing.

Have you tried a little lube….😁
« Last Edit: July 23, 2023, 04:52:44 PM by Tracksnblades1 »
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Online Don R

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #6 on: July 23, 2023, 04:41:15 PM »
 On a 750, I place a board across the carbs and pry through the frame from above with a long tire iron. Move side to side and check the up and down. Often one end will go first. I can't say if a 550 has that frame type.
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Offline Scott S

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #7 on: July 24, 2023, 04:28:34 AM »
 Do you have the clamps REALLY loose? Way looser than you think they need to be.
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Offline Floshenbarnical

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #8 on: July 24, 2023, 05:14:28 AM »
Do you have the clamps REALLY loose? Way looser than you think they need to be.

That's a good point, I have my clamp bolts on basically their final thread.
"All things change in a dynamic environment. Your effort to remain what you are is what limits you."

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Offline AlekStooge

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #9 on: July 24, 2023, 04:43:01 PM »
I have the screws off at this point. It's just that last bit it won't pop over. I have two ratchets on it. I'm using heat then sitting on the front tire while the bike is wedged against the wall and pulling. I found that works better than pushing. I think I'll try to pry them a little. Maybe these just needed to be worked on and off to loosen up.

Offline Scott S

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #10 on: July 25, 2023, 03:50:55 AM »
 That looks OK to me. My bike doesn't have PD carbs, but I'll look at mine when I get home.
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Offline AlekStooge

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #11 on: July 25, 2023, 04:56:42 AM »
Yes please. Take a photo.

Offline Nstillwell

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #12 on: July 25, 2023, 07:20:27 AM »
I have a 74 with the 022A on it so it might be different. But that intake manifold looks exactly the same as mine. Those isolaters look like they are on all the way to me. I can’t see the carb side but the manifold side is golden.

Offline Scootch

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #13 on: July 25, 2023, 07:34:55 AM »
Put it a mark on the isolators where the groove is and mark the intake tube to show how far the isolators need to seat...

Offline MauiK3

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #14 on: July 25, 2023, 07:45:39 AM »
Im not familiar with this setup, only the 750 setup
Are they supposed to go over the last lip or is that a stop point?
Does the manual say anything about this?
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Offline AlekStooge

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #15 on: July 25, 2023, 10:13:25 AM »
Put it a mark on the isolators where the groove is and mark the intake tube to show how far the isolators need to seat...

Great idea! I think enough people confirmed they don't go over the lip but it would be nice to see a picture of someone elses.

Offline AlekStooge

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #16 on: July 25, 2023, 08:42:56 PM »
I pulled the carbs off they came off really easily so maybe they weren't on all the way on the carb/insulator side.

Good news is the boots stayed on and looking into them I could see that it appears they wouldn't be able to move any more forward. However the struggle is not over but I am a little relieved.

What do you guys use for claps? I'm not sure what I have either 4into1 stuff or oem.

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #17 on: July 26, 2023, 01:36:19 PM »
I ordered clamps for a 75 cb550 from 4 into 1.  They were too big around to be useful even though the package claimed them to be the same size as oem.  Coughed up the dough for oem and they fit perfectly.  Thus 4 into 1 sells what is known as false economy.
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Offline AlekStooge

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #18 on: July 26, 2023, 04:59:48 PM »
Went through my old receipts. The boots were orfered from awestern Honda, so OEM. The clamps I haven't found yet. The David Silver picture looks like the ones I have but so does the 4into1. I'm pretty adamant about ordering OEM.

What's alarming was the carbs slipped off without me loosening the clamps. Just a little downward pressure and they were off.

Offline AlekStooge

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #19 on: July 27, 2023, 06:21:48 PM »
Hey guys thanks for your help. Carbs are on nice and snug. >:( now please tell me there is someone on this forum that makes welch plugs? F*#k one thing after another.

Offline AlekStooge

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #20 on: July 28, 2023, 04:04:48 PM »
When I see individual carbs for sale they are missing the welch plug on carb 1 on the fuel rail line. The other ones for the choke shaft and throttle are there. Makes me question Is there a welch plug that is supposed to be there?

Offline AlekStooge

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Re: Carbs won't slide on all the way
« Reply #21 on: July 31, 2023, 10:55:41 AM »
Anyone? About the welch plug.