Do I really need Plastic Air Guide Between Radiator and Carbs???

[almaoliphant]

Hey all,

I put the carbs back on my bike.  They looked great, and the bike runs really well after the rebuild.  But, when I was cleaning up, I found an extra piece.  I forgot to put in the black plastic air guide that goes between the radiator and the carbs.  This is the dinner-plate-sized, hard plastic, molded 12ish gauge sheet that apparently separates the radiator air from the "over the top of the engine" air.

I tried to bend, twist, and sweet talk this piece back into place without removing the carbs again.  It won't go.  I even thought about cutting it up into smaller pieces, and stitching it back together with zip-ties after it's in place.  But, I can't convince myself that is a good idea.

As best I can tell, I have to at least remove the chrome air-intake down tubes, and push the carbs aside to get the air guide in.  My inner child is throwing a tantrum, and still grumbling from the knuckle buster nut that broke loose at the most inopportune moment.

So, here's my question:  Do I really need this piece?  What am I risking by not having it there?  Give it to me straight.  I can take it.   

Thanks.
Alma

[Gunslinger]

As far as I understand it the purpose of tha little piece of plastic is to divert the hot air from the Radiator out and around. I'd imagine that you will be much warmer without it.

[John Schmidt]

I've found it can be installed without removing the carbs, but usually have to remove the intake runners and move the carbs back as far as possible, plus removing the tank and airbox. Do it on a warm sunny day and leave the plastic in the sun for a couple hours. I also wear some work gloves with a rubberized coating on the face, easier to grab the plastic and less chance of cutting yourself on the edges. It's darn near impossible to break that thing, but it does take some extreme bending and twisting....and talking to it. But get it warm first, more flexible then. And yes, you will get more engine heat on the legs without it. Doesn't really hurt anything though.

[Dave Weaver]

I forgot to re-install mine last year when I removed my carbs and rebuilt them.  I didn't want to do another teardown and put it back in.  I really didn't notice much extra heat off the engine as this big old bike throws out a lot anyway.  It still lays in the gargage.

[DFragn]

It Can Be Done without removing or repositioning the carb bank. I've done it a few times. Even fished the oversized Interstate winged version when I added I/S pods to my Tourer.

3 tools required - patience, warmed/heated & plastic disposable 1.5" (2) putty knives to coax it around & in front of the carb bank.

I must admit the Interstate version was a bear, but I got it in without removing anything but the tank. Oh, sorry, I did remove the McCruise throttle actuator box (it's a bit bulky).

I don't think I would have ever gotten it in without the plastic putty knives though. It likes to hang up on the carb rack assembly nuts.