Topic: wintergreen rubbing alcohol and dot 3

[evinrude7]

been trying to soften up rubber intake boots.  having some success with putting them in very hot water.  near boiling but not boiling.  then i soaked them in dot 3 for a day or so.  now i have them in wintergreen rubbing alcohol.  so far i have to say there is some improvement in the rubber's pliability.  while i'm sure it's not a long term fix it does seem to improve the rubber for a time. 

thanks for the suggestion on the wintergreen flybox. 

[Don R]

Wintergreen works in acetone or boiling water. Don't boil flammables. It does last, maybe as long as new ones.

[jamesw]

I used Wintergreen oil and xylene with great results. Took about 3-5 days for the boots to shrink back down from their swollen state when I first took them out of the solution.

Wintergreen oil isn't cheap. If I had to do 4 intake boots again, I'd just buy them new from Honda, or find a cheaper supply of wintergreen oil.

[BobbyR]

These are quick short term fixes. You cannot put back into the rubber the chemicals that make rubber pliable. These wintergreen and xlene are solvents that break down the rubber. If you can afford them and find thenmget new ones. I bought a new set and they still beat like little hearts when the motor is running.

[msg536]

I recently passed on the home brew method and purchased OEM carb/head boots. No mess no fuss and they'll outlive me for sure.

[ekpent]

 Heat gun will soften them long enough to remove easier or install and clamp down etc.. Can't beat new unless you buy some crappy quality aftermarket stuff.

[WhyNot2]

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Care to provide a link to where you bought yours?

Thanks in advance....

[ekpent]

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Care to provide a link to where you bought yours?

Thanks in advance....

To me- a heat gun ?  I use one from a factory I used to work at that was used to shrink wrap hardware in a shipping and receiving dept..Has a nice stand mounted on the bottom. Just used it yesterday to mount my carb rubbers and carbs on my 750 project. Easy with the heat and a little grease and they were stiff. I also bought a nice Wagner heat gun with two temps at a yard sale still in the box unused for a few bucks. If you have a Harbor Freight close by I think they have them pretty reasonable or any of the big box home stores. Probably a ton on fleabay also.  These are very handy to have in the shop for lots of things cycle related.

[evinrude7]

If it sounds like I know what I'm talking about, it's because I cut and pasted from someone else.

ha