Can't get airbox boots to stay on Carbs

[vranasaurus]

I have the right side on but the left side keeps wanting to pop off the carbs. Am I missing something?

I've searched, watched a video and nothing seems to indicate any trick for my problem.

Any suggestions?

[sandy]

Sell your bike to me cheap and I'll deal with it. OK: Check the back side of the tubes with a handheld mirror. Make sure they're all down and hold them down as you screw the clamps tight.

[Dorkman]

Frustrating, by all accounts.  Several methods involve using dental mirrors, long needle nose pliers, and such devices to nudge things in place.  Get one aligned, then another, etc., and clamp down what you have with a strap, tie downs, or electrical flex ties.  A board over the top may be used to apply equal downward pressure when you get them tucked in.  A beer helps, maybe two. . . and a lot of patience.

[Hook#3287]

I vaguely remember this being a problem once a long time ago, I solved it by removing all the intake bolts, installing the air box boots to the carbs, then re-installing the intake bolts.  Worked for me.

[Valkpilot]

I have the right side on but the left side keeps wanting to pop off the carbs. Am I missing something?

I've searched, watched a video and nothing seems to indicate any trick for my problem.

Any suggestions?

I reach into the airbox and turn the rubber tubes which sort of screws them onto the intakes.  It has the added benefit of showing you if the rubber part has folded itself into the intake instead of fitting over the lip. (Usually that happens at the back where it's hard to see.)

Note the original position of the tubes in the airbox (which way they point) and finish turning with them in their original position.   Don't worry about the sealant around the rubber tube as it enters the airbox.  I've never seen a Valk where the sealant was still intact. 

A shot of silicone spray on the rubber tube at the intake helps as well.

[rugguy]

I apply positive "downforce" the keep the boots on while tightening. I slide an 18" adjustable wrench in flat between the top of the airbox and the bottom of the upper frame. I apply gentle "downforce" leverage which allows me to hold the box and boots in place while I tighten the clamp on each intake. The choice of the wrench was due only to it's length and thickness and not for any other reason. Works great for me and I will never try and do it any other way again.

[John Schmidt]

Set the airbox in place, cut a piece of 2x4 about 4-6" long and lay on top of the airbox cover. Run a ratchet type tie down over it, hooking each side to the lower angled engine guard, then just ratchet it down. Install the bolt in the back end first, then slip each rubber intake over the carbs, making sure they aren't curled under in back. Once tightened down, it will stay in place.

[vranasaurus]

Thank you to John.  Got it back on and everything seems OK.