Before I buy new boots for the sohc does anyone have a recipe or method for restoring the flex to old rubber bit?
I had a recipe off the net but I never could find the ingredient xylene. I finally found it at CTC but the recipe is long since past.
There are lots of whiches brews to revitalize rubber -- I've found them all to be temporary. There are 2 things you're doing, 1 softening the rubber itself and 2) replacing the plasticizers that have been lost over time.
In a pinch, here's my recipe:
1) Start by thoroughly cleaning away grime and oil using xylene or brake cleaner.
2) Soften the rubber by dropping it into boiling water for 10 minutes, then working the warm rubber with your hands. until the part becomes more pliable.
3) Drop-in boiling water again to relax the rubber, then spray liberally with silicone lubricant, place the part in a ziplock for 3 days to allow the plasticizers to be absorbed. Open the bag once a day and shoot in more silicone spray.
4) The last step is to check carefully for cracks. These must be filled with sealant like RTV or FlexSeal. I usually spray FlexSeal on the inside to be sure there are no air leaks -- it really works well.
Remember rejuvenated rubber is a short-term and/or cosmetic fix. Those boots that lasted 40 years will degrade to the same condition in a season or two after you revitalize them.
Like Mad Mike said - your repair will only be short term. After 40+ years the manifolds are done.
When I was redoing my XV920R Yamaha, first thing after the carb clean was a new set of manifolds and o-rings.
It was such a hassle removing and reinstalling the carbs I did not want have to do the job twice.
Admittedly, yours is a lot easier, but don't make any more work for yourself, I'm sure there are a few other things that need your attention.
You can get a set of 4 boots for a cb750 off Amazon.ca for about $25. I've used them on old Hondas, they are as good as OE, and probably the same as the $100 sets at vintage bike suppliers.
You can get a set of 4 boots for a cb750 off Amazon.ca for about $25. I've used them on old Hondas, they are as good as OE, and probably the same as the $100 sets at vintage bike suppliers.
Do you know which ones you bought? I checked quick but all those chinese brand names spook me. How do you really know is legit?
If I can't be sure I'd rather pay more, sleep better and know I'm helping support another Canuck. Heck, he did me give a free T-shirt last time I was picking up parts.
Do you know which ones you bought? I checked quick but all those chinese brand names spook me. How do you really know is legit?
If I can't be sure I'd rather pay more, sleep better and know I'm helping support another Canuck. Heck, he did me give a free T-shirt last time I was picking up parts.
No, I don't recall the brand - it was a while back. I can tell you they appeared to be Vitron rubber and the quality was great. I bought some for a Suzuki too, they were identical to the aftermarket OE parts I ordered from Snow City.
I'm all for supporting local guys -- as long as they are reasonable.
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