arg.. sorry but I have yet another question........

How difficult is it to change the rubber boots between the carbs and the engine block?

 

Horror stories abound on the larger bikes with the bolts that hold them to the head-they are known to get locked in pretty tight and when you go to remove they won't budge and instead twist right off (while they feel like they are unscrewing). But it looks like your asking about a 550, and they don't seem to have the same issue. My '81 had two that were a bit tight, but a little PB and they came right off-I would be careful and make sure the bolt is actually coming out and not just twisting when you do it. Move your rack back and once they are free-easy out.

 

can I remove them while the engine is still in the frame?

 

Listen to the advice given...yes, they CAN be removed with the engine in place ...that part is kind of obvious....but you should AVOID it at all costs if you can. Why do you think they need to be removed? We've had guys wrap strips of inner tube/black silicone around them to keep from having to try. I had no splits or dryrot issues on my bike but this sounds like something that you should reconsider before jumping in with a 3/8" drive socket wrench.

We aren't giving you a hard time, just trying to save you from a big load of heartache.....cause once you shear one or more off...THEN you'll be removing the engine to take it to a machine shop and they will see you as a walking cash machine when you walk in the door!!
jeff

 

Mine are slightly dryrotted, one of them does seem to have a small leak, can I still use the innertube and silicone to patch it?

 

Before I tried that I would use some black RTV and coat the outside of the boots really good and allow time to dry good. That should do it. I would change the bbots as a last resort personally.

 

Where do I find black RTV, and what is it?

 

It is made by Loctite and it is called a gasket maker but it works well.

 

Thank you for the heads up I am going to give it shot.

 

The local Autozone will have it. Ultra Black is the best stuff for what you are doing imho anyway. Just wear surgical gloves and do a nice, neat job and others won't even be able to tell.

jeff

 

Has anyone tried this product [Plasti Dip] for sealing / protecting solid rubber surfaces?
http://www.caswellplating.com/aids/plastidip.html

 

Thanks for the advice guys I appreciate it.