Possible to swap out airbox on 550 Seca without yanking mill

The airbox on my '81 Seca 550 has developed quite a large seam split. I've got a replacement airbox, can the swap be performed without yanking the motor? Carbs AND intake manifolds removed maybe?

 

I saw a thread on here not too long ago where someone did it without pulling the engine. There was a lot of twisting and pushing/pulling involved as I recall, but the box went in/out with the engine still in the frame!

edit: here ya go, scroll down a bit! =) Looks like those intake boots gotta come off, but that seems easier to me than trying to move the engine!

Airbox removal, engine in place

 

Re: Possible to swap out airbox on 550 Seca without yanking

yeah i just installedmine in my 750 with the mill still in just removed the starter battery and ignition alittle prying pops right in there oh yeah carbs and intakes have to go also

 

Re: Possible to swap out airbox on 550 Seca without yanking

It can't be done on a 550. I tried extensively. I read here that someone heated it up with a heat gun and was able to force it out. Worth a try

 

I dunno. The post is a 650, the 550's "wraps into" the frame more. Not a lot of room there. Been looking and measuring, if I pull the starter and take apart and remove the battery box completely, carbs and boots of course, I still can't tell if it'll go far enough forward to twist out to the left maybe? Meanwhile, black RTV to the rescue!

 

Re: Possible to swap out airbox on 550 Seca without yanking

don't know much about the 550 but my 750 i turned the box 90* and got it into the frame then twisted it back 90* went in without a problem

 

Re: Possible to swap out airbox on 550 Seca without yanking

The OP asks about a 550. I took out the battery box, starter and carbs. Without breaking it, it doesn't come out. Period

 

That's what my measuring was telling me. NOT happening. I wouldn't have any problem chopping it up to get it out, but if reinstalling the replacement is then impossible...I used black adhesive RTV and filled the split; replacement airbox is on the shelf; I'm gonna need a lot more incentive to yank the mill than this. If/when the motor has to come out for a real reason (this ain't it!) I'll swap the airbox. Thanks---I was hoping for input from someone who had already learned the hard way.

 

Re: Possible to swap out airbox on 550 Seca without yanking

I took my Foot and kicked that peice of shit right out.I got very aggrivated i think its a very stupid design along with using Philips head screws on cases and things that take alot of abuse its nearly impossible to get them out with out a drill. & my pods look great.