Soften up carb slider rubbers

[TommyTheGun]

Hi,

I am putting a set of sliders into my carbs that have not been in carbs for a few months and as a result the rubbers have got quite stiff and hard to fit correctly. Does anybody have any tips how to soften them up?
Thought i remembered reading a thread that mentioned soaking them in petrol but i cant find it and just want to be sure.

Thanks
T.

[scubasteve]

Soaking them in petrol is the usual thing to do if they have become stiff

This is the quote I believe your on about, "If the slides have been sitting out of the carbs for some time, the rubber diaphragms can shrink and harden. A good tip for restoring them is to soak them in petrol for a few days, it works well to soften and expand the rubber."

It's on the first page of the DIY jetting guide just above your post in this section

[TommyTheGun]

Thanks, managed to get them on by putting them in boiling water for a few minutes. The rubbers had just shrank slightly the hot water just about did it. Was also told you can boil them in water mixed with Wintergreen oil, apparently it was in practical sports bikes a few months ago.

[scooble]

I used tyre softener a few times and also dipped some in for about a day and it worked a treat.

[StrayAlien]

I mount them and use a heat gun (used for paint stripping) on them to warm them up before inserting carbs. Works a treat.

[bikemonkey]

Think he means the vacuum slides, wouldn't put a heat gun anywhere near them!

[StrayAlien]

Sorry! Read it too quickly. Apologies.