Topic: What numbers should be in the airbox to carb rubbers on 400/4

[neilma]

Hi all,

My bike came with pods so (a long time ago) I purchased a used airbox to fit once I had restored the bike. Today I came to fit the airbox and struggled for a good couple of hours until I finally looked at the rubbers in more detail and noticed that they had a number printed on each one. However, I seem to have all the same rubbers bar one. (I have 3 of them with a number 4 printed on it and one with a number 3).

I am guessing somewhere along the line a #1 and #2 have gone missing and the PO has replaced them with 2 x  #4's ? - I do hope not as they are are all in good pliable condition.

So my quesion is, do I now need to go on the hunt for a #1 and #2 (or swap with my extra #4's) or do I have the correct ones and in which case, what number fits onto which carb/airbox hole?

Thanks
Neil

[RickB]

Neil,

Gee I didn't even notice they were numbered when I put my airbox on. I can't see how it would matter, the carbie intake holes are all the same size aren't they? At least close enough that the flexible rubber airbox boots should fit over them. How flexible is your rubber? Those airbox boots should be squishy (or as much as they can be given they're discontinued).

I'll take a look at my airbox and see if I can see numbers on them. Where are the numbers located?

Rick.

[neilma]

Thanks Rick,

The numbers are about 3mm high and are printed or stamped in raised letters on the smooth part that sits inside the airbox when all assembled.

Appreciate it

Cheers

Neil

[RickB]

Neil,

You said they're inside the airbox. My airbox is on the bike, can I still see the numbers?

Rick.

[bollingball]

Are you talking about the engine to carb boots or the carb to airbox boots?

[neilma]

Rick: No - The airbox will have to come off and the rubbers removed to look inside them.

bollingball: Carb to airbox boots.

Thx

[Tintop]

Not sure if the 400 stacks are the same, and I don't want to take mine apart.   However, the 550 stacks are different.  1&4 have a slight bend which aims the bell slightly towards the centre, 2&3 are straight.  Are the ones marked #4 & #3 the same shape?  If they are then they can go in any position.  If not then you need another #3 for the #2 carb, and use two #4's for the 1&4 carbs.  Clear as mud, right.

[neilma]

Thanks Tintop. Hmm They dont look all that different to be honest. I shall get out there tonight with some better instruments to see if there is a height different (or angle difference) but to the naked eye, they look pretty similar.

So if they are the same - any good tips on fitting them? I seemed to get closest to having them on by having the carbs installed, then sliding the air box in minus the rubbers, then installing the rubbers into the airbox (#2 and #3 first) and then try and push the whole assembly onto the carbs. Maybe they werent warm enough or pliable enough but a couple just wouldnt slip on whatever I tried (silicone lube, swearing etc etc