fan shroud

[Crackerborn]

Since I had the carb bank out, I pulled the fan shroud forward to inspect the upper radiator hose. Everything looked good so I then tucked the plastic back into place. All the parts for the carb re-rebuild are in, done and now back on the bike. I have installed the air box so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, so of course today the the f@#&+#g thing has to not go in. I cranked it down using a 2x and strap, get all the boots on and tighten the clamps. Great, so as soon as I release the strap the boots slid off the air intakes. What? The air box is hitting on the fan shroud, hard, and not going down enough to allow the boots to reach the intakes. After over a hour and the use of many words the Reverand probably would not like to hear, I removed the shroud completely. Hey, the air box boots now almost install themselves (once the boots are inside the frame).

I do plan on putting the shroud back in the next time I need to take the carb bank off, so is there a reason that should be sooner rather than probably over this coming winter? 

[HayHauler]

The heat from the engine will hit your crotch and legs as soon as the fan comes on.  You will also feel it out on the road, but it might not be as bad as when stuck in traffic.

My $.01875

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Anthony]

in theory:
the air taken into the air filter and engine will be hotter,
therefor have less % oxigen, thus less power in engine. 

in practice: i don't know of that difference will be noticable. 
your comfort will be more noticable then the power loss.

don't worry, i am running constantly without such a shroud.
the blower pully does not allow it.   

Anthony

[BonS]

There are connectors in front of the air box that can interfere with fitting the air box into position. It's easy to think that it is the air dam but it's the connectors that are keeping the box from fitting down properly and it'll keep popping back up. The connectors need to be pushed into their proper place to relieve the interference and allow the air box to fit. By removing the air dam you created enough space for the air box to fit but it would have been easier to push the connectors a bit right or left to get them where they belong.

[Crackerborn]

Unfortunatly it is not the connectors. They have to be above the airbox or you are correct, there is no love. I could see the bottom of the airbox in contact with the fan shroud bump out that covers the upper radiator hose. When I inspected that hose, I must have moved the shroud enough that the airbox now will not seat properly. If heat to me is the only issue and operating the Girl without the shroud won't cause mechanical problems, I will wait until I get back from SD next week to address the issue.

Getting hot air blown in my direction is part of my job discription so I should be able to manage a little more!