AIR BOX BOOTS,,JUST A THOUGHT

I'm here online thinkin motorcycle things,and I know I'm probably gonna be a month before I can get some new boots for my 85 xj700,,,so,,this is my thought.My old boots are hard on just one side,and Iknow that'll be just enough to make installing the carbs tuff.I wonder if I could get some seal softener,,stp or something ,and soak em for awhile,if they might just soften up? Anyone tried this or something similar?Know any tricks?I've read where these carbs really need the air box in place to get a good tune. :?:

 

I have heard of a product that will soften rubber parts. I think i saw it in Hemmings Motor News. Look in the vendor section and see if you can find it in there. The website should have it there.

 

Try heating them up in boiling water or the micrwave.Also if you have a plumbing supply house nearby you can get 1 1/2 inch no hub bands and they fit almost perfectly.The ferco couplings are a little big but the no hub rubber works great.
Joe

 

water boiling is your best bet, just remember to clean them with soap before the boil them afterward dry completly and oil them right after drying them. if no crasks are present this will hold you for a while.

 

Thanks for the reply's. I picked up a 1.5" no hub today and it looks like it just might work.I've read so much about these carbs I just want to cover all I can before installing them back on the bike.I'm gonna nuke one of the old boots after while now that I know I have back up.I'm sure gonna get the originals when xj4ever gets a load in.I'll post my results. hopefully it will help someone down the line. Thanks again...JIMMYD

 

If you turn the rubber inside out on the no hub it will line up better and have a smoother flow into the carbs.
Joe

 

I was checking the inside out thing awhile ago.Did you end up inside the air box hole ,or butted up against it? I tried nukin one awhile ago.Not so good! It melts the rubber on the thin rims on the edge.

 

i have the same bike. and my boots were pretty hard it was like 30 out when i was putting them back on and i just used some motor oil to lube things up and a screwdriver to help pry. it smoked for like 2 mins. but worked pretty good. regarding the sparkplugs, i had to replace them anyways. ps. it dose get cold in florida...during cold fronts.

 

You end up inside of the airbox.