Intake boot oring lube?

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  • Lucky13xx
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    Intake boot oring lube?

    I'm in the process of changing my intake boots and orings. I'm using suzuki oem replacement parts. Should I use anything to lube the orings? If so what?

    Thanks
  • tkent02
    Forum LongTimer
    Past Site Supporter
    • Jan 2006
    • 35571
    • Near South Park

    #2
    I have used everything from saliva to grease, to silicone spray to WD-Douche to nothing at all.

    It all works. Probably the silicone spray lube.
    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

    Life is too short to ride an L.

    Comment

    • Agemax
      Forum Guru
      • Apr 2008
      • 8371
      • plymouth uk

      #3
      thin smear of silicone grease works best for me. i use it on all my O rings. (except for brake parts)
      1978 GS1085.

      Just remember, an opinion without 3.14 is just an onion!

      Comment

      • eil
        Forum Sage
        • Dec 2012
        • 3062
        • SE Michigan

        #4
        People will say to always lube o-rings before installation, but that's really only to protect them during installation. In this case, you're just pressing the rings lightly into a groove with your fingers and then bolting the works onto the engine. There's nothing to slip, slide, or pinch if you're doing it right. I don't think lube is necessary here.
        Charles
        --
        1979 Suzuki GS850G

        Read BassCliff's GSR Greeting and Mega-Welcome!

        Comment

        • Agemax
          Forum Guru
          • Apr 2008
          • 8371
          • plymouth uk

          #5
          it helps them to seal, helps them stop drying out and therefore aids in removal from certain applications
          1978 GS1085.

          Just remember, an opinion without 3.14 is just an onion!

          Comment

          • Steve
            GS Whisperer
            • Jun 2005
            • 35924
            • southwest oHIo

            #6
            Although lubrication is not all that necessary, a few small dabs of grease will hold the o-ring in place while you put the boot into place.

            .
            sigpic
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            • Lucky13xx

              #7
              Originally posted by Agemax
              it helps them to seal, helps them stop drying out and therefore aids in removal from certain applications
              This was my take on it. I just didn't want to put a lube on it that would accelerate the rubber breakdown

              Comment

              • kymasabe

                #8
                Don't use regular grease, as petroleum products will cause the orings to swell/expand. It's best to use silicone lube.

                Comment

                • tkent02
                  Forum LongTimer
                  Past Site Supporter
                  • Jan 2006
                  • 35571
                  • Near South Park

                  #9
                  Viton O rings are pretty much impervious to anything. The old school junk Suzuki uses, who knows?
                  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

                  Life is too short to ride an L.

                  Comment

                  • srg

                    #10
                    Originally posted by kymasabe
                    Don't use regular grease, as petroleum products will cause the orings to swell/expand. It's best to use silicone lube.
                    What about white lithium grease? afaik, it's not petroleum based.

                    Comment

                    • gs550rebuildguy

                      #11
                      grease idea

                      I was at the Sukuki dealer so I already bought that spray white chain grease that is "o ring" safe so that's what I used.

                      Comment

                      • Katarat

                        #12
                        Silicone grease worked for me. Its battle no matter what you use or do

                        Comment

                        • 850 Combat
                          Forum Guru
                          Past Site Supporter
                          • Sep 2006
                          • 6018
                          • Spokane, WA, and Hampden, ME

                          #13
                          I use Permatex Graphite in oil High Temp thread lubricant, or the copper one. The graphite one matches the color of the castings better. I use it on gaskets too. I do not like scraping gaskets.
                          sigpic Too old, too many bikes, too many cars, too many things

                          Comment

                          • jbthomp

                            #14
                            Originally posted by kymasabe
                            Don't use regular grease, as petroleum products will cause the orings to swell/expand. It's best to use silicone lube.
                            Isn't gasoline a petroleum product

                            Comment

                            • koolaid_kid

                              #15
                              Go to Lowes and get a small jar of Plumber's Silicone Grease by Gunk, part number GR2V.
                              Only a couple of bucks and will last forever.

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