Cracked carb holders...

[Ian522]

Im almost done freshening up my old '78 and getting it on the road. Today while installing a new petcock and fuel line/filter, I noticed the carb holders(the rubber boot things) look a bit old and dried out. They have some hairline cracks running through them, the left one isnt bad but the right hand side is worse. I dont think the cracks are deep enough to go all the way through or affect the bike's running condition.

So I just figure ill replace them anyway, but much to my dismay a pair of new ones costs about $40-50. And im already broke from throwing a bunch of other new parts on the bike. Plus replacing them involves removing the carbs, disconnecting the throttle cable, etc. But I would hate to just leave them on like that.

So heres my ghetto repair idea...I have a tube of black RTV silicone sealant that I have used to patch worn electrical components with good results. It says its good to around 450 degrees. Think I could give the carb holders a coating of the sealant as a temp fix until I someday get the time/money/patience to replace them?

[Ian522]

sorry...accidentally quoted myself

[BuzZz]

Me and a buddy did just that to his carb boot on a CR-500 once. He rode that bike for 2 years after that with no trouble from fuel affecting the silicon. Your milage may vary.....

And those little cracks can and do leak, leaning out your jetting. The silicon-thing fixed that on that old CR.

[NorthernPete]

ID try your maguiver method. If BuzZZ sais it worked for his buddy, Id tend to believe him. Save up and change them out when you get the cash though. itd be a shame if they let go when you were in the middle of a cummute or ride somewhere.

[storysunfolding]

I did the same thing with liquid electric tape. if THAT held up then silicone actually rated for high temps probably does wonders : )

[BuzZz]

Uh, yeah, I probably should have mentioned that it will work, but I don't recommend it as a permanant fix. Save your milk money at lunch (or beat up the other kids for thiers.... *hint*.....if you just beat the snot outta the class bully, he should have done the collecting from everyone else for you .... benifits of being a growed up bully, eh? ) and get new boots when you can.

[Ian522]

Coated them today, seemed to work well. Hopefully they'll hold up until I outgrow the bike and sell it.

[BuzZz]

No.

Bad rookie.

Makeshift repairs are just that... making due until the problem can be fixed correctly. Treating it as permanant-ish is one thing (and not the best thing), but selling off your hack job to some innocent person is bad karma waiting to bite you in the azz.

[Ian522]

No.

Bad rookie.

Makeshift repairs are just that... making due until the problem can be fixed correctly. Treating it as permanant-ish is one thing (and not the best thing), but selling off your hack job to some innocent person is bad karma waiting to bite you in the azz.

nah im not the type of guy that would try to screw over anybody. Whenever I sell anything, (car, etc.) I always disclose everything that is wrong or needs fixing. Because ive gotten screwed before and I know how frustrating it is.

Besides, when the time comes ill probably end up selling it as a parts or project bike anyway. It sure as heck isnt a show bike!

[NorthernPete]

Every bike is a show bike....