Anti freeze and boots.

[chuck hahn]

OK..Ive seen the threads about soaking in anti freeze to soften the airbox boots..Thing I didnt see..or missed..is just how long should they soak???

[Gregory]

I guess no one has replied to you on this since 2011. I am in the same boat researching...

i bought brand new boots from patizilla and even the brand new ones would not seal completely around the header inlets. I even sent the boots back to partzilla to forward to suzuki to see what they say. I suspect I wont hear back anything, and don't want to drop another 120 on boots and clamps so....,

I want to find something to soak my old boots in that will make them puff up some. They are already pliable, but I want to make them puffier / thicker.

[steve murdoch]

Many threads on using a Wintergreen concoction to make rubber parts more pliable.
Some reported an increase in size as well.

https://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/forum/technical-forums/carb-fuel-exhaust/1736645-making-rubber-pliable-again-with-oil

[Sandy]

If you have patience, lots of patience, I used Simonized Vinyl Protectant. Only problem was it took about 3 - 4 months over a winter. This was about 20 years ago and mine where deformed and hard as a rock. I assembled the carbs, airbox and cylinder boots on the workbench and over the winter as I did other cleanup stuff on my GS1000 I gave them a quick spray every few days or once a week. Very once and awhile I'd realign everything, tighten the clamps and eventually they were soft and pliable and still are. All I’ve done since is give them a shot of protectant once a year or so.

[Cipher]

OK..Ive seen the threads about soaking in anti freeze to soften the airbox boots..Thing I didnt see..or missed..is just how long should they soak???

Not sure if its a purely chemical process or a simple penetration as wetting a dry sponge
tried it once over winter did sfa
if chemistry is at play maybe try a thrift store crockpot on low heat fully submerging parts.

[Gregory]

A friend just told me that he heard that B12 may puff them up. I may try the torn one I have to see if it works.

[1978GS750E]

Many threads on using a Wintergreen concoction to make rubber parts more pliable.
Some reported an increase in size as well.
https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...again-with-oil

I've refurbished "A LOT" of rubber parts with the wintergreen mixture and it works great! Makes your garage smell nice too!

[alke46]

I'm baffled right now as to the mixture but it seems like it was 30% wintergreen oil with 70% of ___________ fill in the blank. I'm getting more forgetful as I age. I don't know why.

Was it diesel fuel or kerosene? IDK.

[1978GS750E]

I'm baffled right now as to the mixture but it seems like it was 30% wintergreen oil with 70% of ___________ fill in the blank. I'm getting more forgetful as I age. I don't know why.

Was it diesel fuel or kerosene? IDK.

Xylene is what I use.

[Big T]

Acetone 25%
Wintergreen 75%

The lower the percentage of solvent, the longer the boot stays pliable

Or, you could order new ones from CruzinImage

[alke46]

Xylene is what I use.

Yes. Xylene it was. Thanks for reminding me.