How To: Replacing the Shift Rubber the Easy Way.

5twins

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And I recommend you use only genuine Yamaha replacement kick and shift rubbers. They're still available cheap and you won't find better. A note on the kick rubbers - there were two sizes used. The shaft for the rubber on the earlier bikes (up to around 1980) was 15mm in diameter. The later bikes had a smaller 13mm diameter shaft. There's a different rubber for each.
 

TwoManyXS1Bs

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In the shop old daze, we'd place the shift or kickstart rubber on the floor, standing up, pour a little gasoline onto the shaft and let it dribble into the rubber. Then, using the heel of your hand, shove the shaft down onto the rubber. Kinda like this:


But, that was boiler room "time is money" pressure tactic.
Your hot water method would be gentler on the rubber, maybe keep them from splitting, especially the questionable stuff...
 

Jim

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Yeah... I've used the gas method too. Got the boiling water method from the Lycoming overhaul manual. The crankshaft front seal is one piece. You have to stretch it around the prop flange. Boil it, stretch it around..... I've seen 'em last 20yrs without splitting or cracking....

IMG_20190502_203619.jpg
 
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