airbox

[DGXSER]

Hey Marshy, the biggest advantage of the pod filters is in not having to deal with the air box when removing the carbs. That is the number one reason I have heard for going to pod filters, that or the air box was missing to begin with. Putting the pods in the air box kind of defeats that purpose, but I like your thought on it as I like the look with the air box myself. I can get the carbs out with the air box in 15 minutes or less, so I do not share the hatred. But then I have yet to work on an XJ, I hear they are much worse.

Also, the spray can carb cleaner should not hurt the seals, not that I would "soak" them in it anyway, or the diaphrams for that matter.

[WMarshy]

As far as I could tell, the way the pods with the air box was set up you had the ease of not dealing with the box but had the look of stock. It was cut up just right to allow all the room you needed to remove the carbs...

[Geezer]

There's a trick to R&R'ing the carbs but I don't think chopping up the airbox will help.

Removing the clamps before you take out the carbs will help a lot and if you put allen head screws in the clamps so you can use a long T-handle will make it easier to remove the clamps. Also if the carb boots aren't hard as a rock that helps too. I don't know if airbox side carb boots are still available but new ones are way more flexible than the old ones.

Geezer

[prometheus578]

Using your wife's hair/blow dryer (or yours, if you're one of those "flaky" types of guys) is a good way to heat up and re-soften rubber airbox boots.

(And no.. by "flaky" I don't mean that you have dandruff)

[Geezer]

Does that soften them up for a while or only until they cool? Macho men have a heat gun...

Geezer

[fredintoon]

Does that soften them up for a while or only until they cool? Macho men have a heat gun...

Geezer

Hi Geezer,
only until they cool. BTW, Macho men with heat guns have been known to reduce rubber parts into molten blobs with little flames licking off their tops.

[Geezer]

Hi Geezer,
only until they cool. BTW, Macho men with heat guns have been known to reduce rubber parts into molten blobs with little flames licking off their tops.

Perhaps but this macho man has an adjustable heat gun.

Geezer

[1st bike]

i have neither. my wife does have a blowdryer, but i have even better news than that!!! i think don scared the hell out of my bike, cause as soon as he said he would stop by when he was in town the damn thing started up clean. ran for a full half hour tonight ( a new record in running time for the past month and a half or so), with no problems, no studders, no loss of power, just plain fun. thanks don, and thanks to every one for all of the advice and help!!

[DGXSER]

Awesome news!! Now I need to find something else to do in Indy on my next visit.

Glad it is running nice for you! Sometimes you just have to hold your mouth in the right postition as you put them back together!

[1st bike]

dang it don!!! i swear, i no more than read your post when i went out the the garage and tried to fire the bike, and it started right up, but was bogging down and running poorly. i blame you. just kidding, but now i am starting to think it might has something to do with a clogged filter, so i am going to start by buying a filter, and then hopefully if you still have time, maybe i could have you give a listen and let me know what you think.

[DGXSER]

Sounds like a fuel line issue of some type. I should get up to Indianapolis area next week.

[T99Ford]

Of course there are also those of us who have run pods with no problems whatever...

[1st bike]

if i thought it would help, i would put pods on in a heartbeat....i am about ready to sell the damn thing and buy a harley....

[skids]

if i thought it would help, i would put pods on in a heartbeat....i am about ready to sell the damn thing and buy a harley....

Well then, get a Harley!

[DGXSER]

Trust me, I have been there a few times especially when it comes to the carbs. But then, once you have them right, they are done for a long time.

Not sure what next week looks like right now, I may be in St Louis Monday or Tuesday, Chi town Wednesday and driving back Thursday afternoon is Cincinnati and Friday starts vacation!! So, who knows, but I will try to get a chance to check out your ride and see what damage we can do.