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Carburetor Insulator Question

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dllewis5

Carburetor Insulator Question

Hi all,

Has anybody had any trouble in getting the carburetor pushed into the intake insulators without the carbs falling off? I have the original insulators that fit on the engine, but even when putting those on I had a hard time making sure each one was turned correctly to meet up with its appropriate carb.

Several different times when I feel like I have the carbs positioned and tighten down. I'll attempt to start the bike and at least one of the carbs literally pop out of the insulator.

Thanks in advance

shinyribs

Re: Carburetor Insulator Question

Administrator

They can be pretty difficult, especially if they are older and beginning to harden. A little lube helps. A light smear of PB Blaster,WD40,etc. Most important is having the boots lined up to begin with. A straight edge along the carb-side faces helps a lot. They should all be turned to produce a perfectly flat plane.

TOOLS1

Re: Carburetor Insulator Question

Administrator

In reply to this post by dllewis5

I use silicone spray to lube rubber. It makes the carbs slide on a lot easier. I will get one side seated, and then the other. You should be able to tell when they are seated by the feel. There was a guy on here once that said he used ratchet tie down straps from the carbs to the frame to pull the carbs up.
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icerigger

Re: Carburetor Insulator Question

In reply to this post by dllewis5

These things take a little work to get properly seated. As others have mentioned, lube the insulators and make sure they're lined up. Also make sure the band clamps are sloppy loose. The carbs have a raised ring on them and the insulators have an internal groove that mates and holds them in. I sit on the frame while getting mine in to avoid pushing the bike off the centre stand. The first part of the carb should slide in easily, till the ring contacts the insulator. If not, they're not lined up. Then work the carbs up and down while pushing forward. When the rings engage the groove, the carbs should snap into place with the insulators right up against the carb body. The ratchet strap is also a good idea if you don't have the upper body to horse them in.

Livin' my life like a song.

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dllewis5

Re: Carburetor Insulator Question

In reply to this post by dllewis5

Sorry for the late response guys.

Thanks for the advice, I'm glad to know its not just me. i like the ratchet idea!!!.
I'll have to give a try