Topic: Can't separate carbs from boots...CB350F

[bnjnz]

I am continuing with the disassembly of my bike and i am beating myself over the head trying to get the carbs loose.  All the collars around the rubber boots are loose and the accelerator cables have been disconnected.

The will move up and down like they are loose but i can't break them free.  Do i just need to keep working them?

[fmctm1sw]

They can be tough to get off.  If you are certain everything is loosened, my technique is to straddle the back of the bike and pull them towards me.  I wouldn't yank too hard up and down, those manifold boots make me nervous...

[Gordon]

Hit 'em with a hair dryer for a couple of minutes to soften them up. 

[bnjnz]

1.  I will stop wiggling them around, i was afraid of breaking them anyhow.
2.  I will hit them with the heat gun i have.  I don't have a hair dryer, chalk one up against being single. 

[Gordon]

Yes, a heat gun will work, too, just be extra careful to not over-do it. 

Hair dryers and hair spray.  Two things most women would never suspect that their boyfriends would steal to use on their motorcycles, but actually come in very handy. 

[WarwickE36]

hairspray is always helpful for firing off potato canons

[bnjnz]

These things are on tight.  I have had no luck with any attempt. Hopefully Sunday is my lucky day. 

[sopo400f]

There is a thread around here about using rope to remove them.

[camelman]

Spray some WD40 or another light oil in there.  Just keep working them back and forth too... they can be difficult sometimes.

[GammaFlat]

I like to put the handle end of a screwdriver in the boot.... one that fits snugly.  Then pry.  I'm sure lubes and heat are helpful but I've never had to resort to them. 

[bnjnz]

The clamps are all the way off.  I will try some pb blaster or whatever else i may have in the garage.  The bike is mostly original, so i am inclined to believe the boots have not previously been removed.  I am just nervous that i am going to break something. 

[bnjnz]

So with some very careful prying they came off.  Thanks for all the advice.

[Brandotheamazing]

If the rubber is hard and brittle, you should just spend the loot and buy a new set, save you the trouble of having an air leak later down the road, and having to re-remove the carb rack to replace the old rubber.

[OrganDonor]

Or you can rejuvinate them with wintergreen or xylene - there are a couple of threads on the site about that.  I prefer the wintergreen because it makes the bike smell REALLY good for a couple of weeks  .  But it also did a wonderful job making the boots soften up just like new.