Ugh, it's the little things that kill...

Alright, so I changed float needles, did the clear tube float height, got that dialed in and think I just need to button things up and I am ready to go!

Well, nope. I have some little problems now:

Inlet boots are still a bugger to get on, I get it 2/3 the way on and than they slip off trying to get the last 1/3 on.
Airbox access screws are spinning in their 'grommets' Can't get the last one out.
Large bolt for the airbox under the battery - Putting it back in I somehow managed to push out that 'grommet' hence the need to get into the airbox.
And to top it off, I now have a somewhat stripped bolt for accessing the oil filter. Darned socket slipped off when trying to get it off and now I can't get it to budge!

So questions are;
Yet any other tricks to get those pesky boots on? Wish they could have made them a tad larger!
Is that bolt for the oil filter port rare? Does Chacal have access to one?
Any tips on getting that last screw free of the air box? I tried holding a screwdriver against the grommet thing to keep it from spinning, but it just rotates the driver off.
Would contact cement or similar product hold those in place? Should I replace them with something else?

Oh and just noticed the tires from the old car I am trying to sell has a screw in the one and is flat! Oh joy!
Sorry for being a pain. Hopefully once this is all settled I can drive in peace for the rest of the year and not have to be a bother!

 

Inlet boots are a pain for almost all XJ's. Time and patience is the key. Be sure and remove all sharp objects away from the work area - lest frustration forces you to grab one. I gently work them in between the carb and air box and take my time turning and prodding gently. I'm pretty good at it now, but in the beginning, it seemed difficult.

 

Difficult is not the word! On a positive, I did get that last screw off the access panel.

Would getting new boots help? Pretty sure mine are original and rather stiff, though I would have thought that would aid them going back on.

 

A tip I found on this site is to remove the boots and dunk them in boiling water for a 30 seconds or so, just long enough to get their memory back and return to their correct shape

 

Interesting. Have searched a bit and did not see that one before. I am loath however to have to take the carbs out again, take boots out and boil them and have to wrestle them back in. Well, practice does make perfect....

lol

 

boots are like 7 bucks a piece (OEM), I got some in from the local stealership. I highly recommend it. Replaced mine, best 28 bucks I've ever spent.

 

I had the same problem with the airbox bolt. I used needle pliers to hold the rotating nut. And a very hard grip. It did work though, so good luck - you'll get there.

 

Sorry to add on here, but can anyone tell me if the bolt for the oil filter housing is an ordinary bolt or is it something special. I forget. I am going to have to replace it.

 

If you mean the one bolt that goes through the center of the housing and through the filter inside as well then yes, it's special.
Once you get it out, If ya know a machinist you can mill new flats or hex on it but it's prolly not worth paying anything to have done what with the cost of a new one. The smaller ones would be more prone to stripping in the future anyway.

 

Special, it's not just a bolt, it's also the oil filter bypass valve............and we carry them in stock!