Last step of carb rack removal

So right now im in the process of removing my carb rack for float bowl rebuild. i found this handy thread and made pretty good use of it so far.
http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/whats-the-easiest-way-to-remove-carbs.47888/#post-542359
But im not sure if i missed something. i remove all clamps intake and engine. removed throttle cable, fuel enrichment cable and clutch cable. i removed the airbox bolt as stated and then pulled on the rack from the rear to see if it would budge or any but nothing. the bike did sit outside for 6 years. could the engine boots be that seized or did i really miss something? i haven't pushed the boots into the intake yet but just expected some movement but its not budging. any help would be great

 

without pushing the airbox side boots in first it's not going to work. the engine side might be stuck to the carbs and you don't want to split the boots wiggling the carbs, so a shot of oil and a little prying between the carb and engine side boot might be a good idea. kind of like a stuck radiator hose

 

the air box boots are not that flexable

 

Yes to above. Either push those air box boots into the airbox, or if they are soft enough, just pull them off all together. Spray some slippery stuff at the engine/ carb boots. Grasp rack firmly and wiggle, jiggle, grunt, groan and talk to them a bit. They should start to move and then suddenly ploop, they will be out.

Do not under estimate the value of grunting and groaning whilst performing this task - works for me every time!

 

Nothing like the feeling of a rack of carbs finally popping out... or in for that matter.

 

Once the airbox bolts are removed (550 has 3), slide it back. The airbox-to-carb boots will slide back with it, off the carbs. Easiest way from here is to remove the airbox-to-carb boots. Grab an edge and give it a pull towards the carbs and they should come right out. Once all 4 are removed, you have a ton of space to play with.

Grab the carbs, left or right side doesn't matter, and pull. it will be easier to pull once side out rather than pull the carbs straight out. Once one side is out, the whole rack should come right out. Disconnect the fuel line, throttle, and enrichment cable, and that's that.

Church is next.

 

Just sticky. The boots do need to be pushed into the airbox to gain sufficient clearance. If they are too stiff, you'll need to warm and soften them with a heat gun. Then, work your way around each manifold bottom loosen them. A bit of lube will help if ou work it in as much as possible, too. Then a lot of sounds and strange words often helps. Funny faces are sometimes needed, too.

 

And occasional funny words and stuff... best that the kids not be around for this one...

 

Sorry so late but thanks for the responses big time. Btw its a 85 700xn Maxim. Anyway so im thinking if there really is nothing else holding these bad boys in then the engine boots must be really really baked on. What kinda lube would be ok for the boots and i guess help put moisture back in them? I get the point off being stiff for support. The intake boots move pretty well. I can even manage to pull a boot of by hand if i wanted. I'll try to push the boots in then pull right or left side of rack as suggested. Thanks again. Im doing a how to video as i go based off the info so people can have visual if needed.

 

Major help folks! Got it out last night no problem.