Carb removal/install trick

Imo, new carb holders and new airbox hoses rank among the most satisfying long-term improvements that can be made to these old girls.

This done, along with proper carb servicing, and diligent fitment of after-market in-line fuel filters, should be all set for many years clear sailing free of need to r&r the carbs, as when the bike was brand new.

Good Fortune!

Once installed you will consider the carb holders a bargain. Old dry leaky holders can make a good engine idle like crap. Ed

Thought I would post update since this site is all about passing on what works and doesn't to help others have less headaches ( or at least shorter ones).

Tried the sealant in hopes the cheaper route might still work. It didn't.
Sealant lasted no time and carbs were back to what they were.
Off i went back to Z1 for another order ( I should be getting a Christmas card from them this year after the last year of orders I put in!).
Had to order bulbs anyways for guages etc and I ordered up a Nice new soft set of Carb holders.
Wow, you guys ( patton,mtkawboy etc) were right. Instant improvement.
I almost don't need a choke anymore.I just touch the start button and it fires up within 1/10th of a second. Didn't know how much air was leaking in until I put them on and bike idles like a brand new bike now. Only need choke if bike is dead cold and even then just need it for 1 minute maybe. Used to need it at every stoplight for miles and miles till engine was super warmed up. I also replaced the worn out screws with matching allen screws/bolts off Z1. Never have to worry about stripped philips heads now...nice!
this bike is finally ready I think for my Montana excursion in July/August, should be a great trip.

Slowly and surely this bike is becoming new and has unfortunately eaten it's share of my bank account but boy having it run as nice as it is these days makes it all worth it.
This town is crawling with bikes more than ever and it seems everywhere I park it I have a small crowd walk by dozens of new wheels to praise it and ask questions. Everyone seems to have a soft spot for bikes from this era I think. Makes for great conversations and I learn more about my bike from old guys everytime I pull up.

cheers