Cb550 carb installation - advice needed

[JamesH]

Guys, I feel like a but of a twit asking this but I've always struggled removing / installing cb550 carbs.

The damn airbox / rubbers clearances are just so tight I always struggle. I've have a good dig around but can't really find any concrete advice on best practice.

Worst part is the re-installation. I've loosened the airbox assembly to give the max amount of 'wiggle room' but I still struggle regardless.

The bikes in question are both '75 cb550 k1's with the standard airbox.

Any guidance / best practice advice greatly appreciated. I'm sure I'm missing something somewhere...

[LesterPiglet]

I have new carb to airbox rubbers and don't have a problem fitting the carbs.  Put the rubbers in boiling water before you try to install the carbs.

[tom400f]

No need to feel a twit - its tricky. Not sure about 550 but I have a 400.

Carbs are loosely fitted on the head rubbers (although I reckon its OK if they are tightened anyway). With the metal connector to the airbox removed slide the manifold in. Jiggle and curse until fitted.

Then mount metal connector in its rubber, which you've softened with a little silicon grease. Also some grease on the connector itself to ease it into the manifold, then lever into the airbox opening with a claw hammer like so:
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php?topic=4880.msg22764#msg22764

Did it Saturday. Works for me.