seating carbs into boot is extremely difficult

[Nessism]

New boots are a thing of beauty. And don't forget the airbox boots and new clamps too.

A little lube on the carb boots is okay, but don't lube the airbox boots or they may slip off the backside of the carbs. This is doubly true if the boots have shrunk like they are apt to do.

[Guest]

New boots for sure and a little lube, should be no problem then. What order are you trying to install the boots? The air box boots go on first them the intake side boots. Make sure they are rotated right for the fit.