Dumb question - carb boots

[Machi]

OK (I am leading the pack on dumb questions) - Installing stock carbs using stock (40 yr old) boots. They are going to be REALLY tight to get on.
Question: Do I mount them on the carbs FIRST or on the head?
(as an excuse - this bike was in pieces when I got it - so much for 'the order of reassembly follows the reverse order of disassembly')

 

[CDNTX650]

mount to the head first.

 

[retiredgentleman]

Lubricate the boots with dielectric grease, and the carbs will slip in a lot easier.

 

[Fndirtygreaser]

Always easier with a bit of lube. Lol

 

[5twins]

Warming the boots with a hair dryer may help as well.

 

[jd750ace]

I'd be inclined to use petroleum jelly as opposed to the dielectric grease, which is often silicone based. Petroleum jelly dissolves completely in fuel, silicone grease does not.

 

[retiredgentleman]

I'd be inclined to use petroleum jelly as opposed to the dielectric grease, which is often silicone based. Petroleum jelly dissolves completely in fuel, silicone grease does not.

Dielectric grease is absolutely the best thing to put on rubber parts. It keeps the rubber supple and prevents cracking. Use it on sun-roof rubber, car door seals, or any other rubber parts on your car/truck.

Petroleum jelly is fine as well.

 

[Machi]

Done.
with vaseline, hair dryer, amd plenty muscle.
These carbs are 78-79 BS38s, rebuilt by Dogbunny (Thanks!):