Putting the carbs back in?

OK, just spent all day cleaning the carbs and now I want to put them back in. BUT, I can't get them to fit back in the manifolds!!! Is there some type of lubricant you should use to help them go back in easier or is it just brute force? I was pushing with everything I had and couldn't get them to seat back in there.

 

Are the clamps loose, I mean practically falling off. That's what I had to do to get them on, then just tightened them up once they're in.

I'm not saying you haven't tried this, but after spending all day with those fumes I got a little fuzzy.

 

damp the rubbers with a bit of spit, put the front wheel up against a wall on the side stand and really give it some grunt!

 

Yeah, for some reason they'll come off with a mostly tight clamp but won't go on unless the screw is falling out.

A little bit (and I mean a little bit) of soapy water on them works wonders.

 

I use a tiny tiny bit of WD40. Like spray some on a shop towel and let it soak in for 30 seconds or so, then LIGHTLY wipe around the insides. Then push. Hard. heh. I also agree with wizard's suggestion to put the front wheel against a wall. I pushed my bike off the center stand once and nearly didnt catch it. *cough*

 

I never have trouble getting the carbs back into the manifold boots but then getting the boots from the airbox back on is a real cow. They never seem to be long enough to reach.

Mick Faighaigh.

 

Go to NAPA and get a tube of SylGlide silicone grease for botu $ 6. Works great on this application when you put a thin smear on the inside of the carb boots. Makes installing the carbs in the boots immensely easier. Also works good on installing the carb-to-airbox rubbbers. Silicone grease will not degrade the rubber as other lubes might.

 

I've found it easiest to be straddling the bike with the seat and tank off. The carbs must be square wit the boots then the seem to pop in pretty easy.

 

OK, got em back in. I used Switch263's advice and put some WD40 on a rag and wiped it inside the boots. (just cuz that's what I had in the garage!) It worked with a little force and sitting on the bike like chadwickM said. Thanks for the help!!