Air Box

[ebrenner1]

When installing the air box, I can not get the front two hoses to stay contected on my 1997 Valkyrie.
Any help!
Thanks :
Thanks for all the help, but my problem is the rubber hoses go on easy, except when they are all tighten
the front two will not stay on the carb?

[John Schmidt]

I assume you're talking about the rubber hoses that attach to the top of the carbs. First, use a small inspection mirror and flashlight to look at the back of all those hoses. They often will catch on the back of the carb and roll under instead of slipping down onto them. By lifting the airbox slightly and running a long skinny screwdriver around the top of the carb, it will straighten the hose out and slip down where it belongs. To hold things in place, I install the airbox lid and air filter first. Then take a 4-5" piece of a 2x4, set it on top of the box lid/cover, and run a tie down ratchet strap over it. Hook it on either side at the engine guard, preferably underneath where it bolts to the enging. Then just ratchet it down snug, install the bolt at the back and clamp down the hoses. Keep in mind there is a rather large wire bundle in that same area near the front, make sure you're not binding against it. Using the strap leaves you with two hands to fasten things without having to hold it in place.

[hukmut]

When replacing my airbox, I always spray a liberal amount of wd40 on all parts that need to be joined together. That way everything just slips into place somewhat more easily, not that any of it is easy. Patience and perseverance and maybe that screwdriver trick will help. Good luck.

[Gryphon Rider]

When replacing my airbox, I always spray a liberal amount of wd40 on all parts that need to be joined together. That way everything just slips into place somewhat more easily, not that any of it is easy. Patience and perseverance and maybe that screwdriver trick will help. Good luck.

Although I haven't had to do that for the air box, I have lubed other rubber parts to help them more easily slide into place.  I would rather use silicone spray lube than WD40.  It doesn't leave a film that attracts dust.

[Ricky-D]

When having to deal with rubber parts that have to slip on something, the preferred

lubricant should be rubbing alcohol. It leaves no residue and is not harmful to the rubber.

Other things such as petrochemicals and silicones leave residue and most are harmful

to the rubber over time, when left on the rubber.

***

[Gryphon Rider]

Other things such as petrochemicals and silicones leave residue and most are harmful
to the rubber over time, when left on the rubber.

Silicone is fine.