Vacuum leaks at carbs

I have installed a set of BS34 carbs on my 78 KZ1000 and I'm having problems with leaks where the carb fit into the boots. Are there 2 different style boots that are used on the later models?

my guess is that you would need the "J Model" ones. I needed them for the RS34 flat slides on my bike. they bolt right on. they have a larger opening.

Well, I took the carbs off and it looks like I have the correct boots. It may be the worm drive hose clamps that caused the problem. I have the correct clamps ordered. hopefully they'll stop the vacuum leaks.

do the carbs push in nice and tight? I know mine fit in real snug......the J model boots should be correct, looks like that is what you have. its impossible to get the 34mm carbs to fit into the old 26/28mm boots

Well, I received the new clamps and reinstalled the carbs. I used a small amount of silicone grease to allow the carbs to slip in the boots easier. I started it up and vacuum leak is worse than ever. I don't understand it, all the parts are new. I really need some suggestions.

Well, today I sprayed some wd-40 around the boots and found the vacuum leaks. I don't know where to go from here. The carb boots are brand new.

I may have installed the wrong boots. It looks like there's two versions of boots available for 34mm carbs. I'm not sure which one to order. My carbs are BS34ss.


16065-1131:

Equivalent to OEM: 16065-1131 16065-1066 Set of 4 intake manifolds - 34mm Carb bore size,40mm carb spigot diameter, 58mm between bolt hole centers, 25mm depth. Triangular groove approximately 1/8" from end of carb spigot.

Fits Kawasaki KZ1000-J3, KZ1000-R2, KZ1100-A3, KZ1100-D2, KZ1100-L1, ZN1100B, ZX1100A. See below for clamps. Use these carb holders when installing Keihin CR29, CR31, CR 33 carbs on these bikes.

11065-1035:

Equivalent to OEM: 16065-1135 16065-1036- Carb bore size 34mm, carb spigot diameter 40mm, 58mm between bolt hole centers. Radius style groove approximately 1/4" from end of spigot.

Fits Kawasaki KZ1000-J1, KZ1000-J2, KZ1000K, KZ1000M KZ1000P KZ1000-R1 KZ1100-A1 KZ1100-A2 KZ1100-B2 KZ1100-D1.

See below for clamps. Use these for RS34, RS36 or 33mm smoothbore carbs on these bikes.

Today, I removed the boots and found that the rubber had separated from the flange on 3 of the boots. I think this is my problem. Does anyone have any suggestions on repairing the boots? or should I just order new ones?

Replace them. If you try to repair them you will be spending countless hours going over them again and again. Ed

They look new from the outside but the first pic says otherwise. They should have conformed to the intakes. I'd buy new ones.
Steve

Thanks guys! Yes, they are new, but they didn't last long.

Are you running the stock airbox? If not, the weight of the carbs hanging on the carb holders may have hastened the damage. I'm just imagining the shot they take every time the bike hits a bump and the carbs try to bounce down and up. Ed