Beware of aging rubber grommets

My MaximX needed repairs due mostly to the air grommets between the carbs and airbox. I had no idea they had shrunk so much! They had hardened considerably as well. Thus dirt was able to get in for years...causing a loss of compression..If you have an older bike watch for this.....Note the new grommets are on the left.

 

Whooee almost as bad as running without an air filter! Amazing seeing them side by side and how much of a difference new ones make.

 

Really sorry to hear about your engine damage.

You've definitely done a service with that picture though. Anyone having trouble getting their carbs back in the bike can clearly see the problem.

 

very nice! it's amazing seeing the old ones next the the "fresh" and fully functional new ones.

 

Time = Shrinkage : )

 

I have the same problem when I swim in cold water!

 

Very good point. I just went through mine and after taking the carbs off I decided to do away with the airbox and went to pod filters on the carbs. This way I can pull the carbs off much easier. Not sure what problems this is going to cause yet but time will tell. As far as the rubbers you changed I haven't taken that step yet since they are pricey little buggers. Probably will have to change them eventually for sure. grunt007, 81XJ750R Seca, Mi.

 

Forgiven, are those new ones the OEM replacements or the aftermarket ones? Just curious about what you think about whichever ones they are. Like grunt says, they are pricey, but the aftermarket ones not quite so much, so I'm wondering if they are worth it or if you get what you pay for.

 

I got the OEM ones. Event though they went bad (in about 15 years), no way for me to know if aftermaket ones will be worse or not......

 

Can I assume that they were alot more pliable and flexible than the old ones you had on the bike? Just wondering since I'm having such a hard time working with mine when putting the carbs back on.

 

Oh yes, the old ones got real hard. I certainly recommend you get new ones. Yours are no doubt becoming or now like my old ones in the picture. Had I know this is what was happening so many years ago I would not be rebuilding my motor now..I tried to force mine in place, but now see why they would not go on...Change them for new ones!