Source for Manifold Rubber

[WDGUZZI]

Now that my auction-find 2002 LeMans is running (after replacing the fuel pump and a bad relay and thanks to the guidance of those on this forum), I find that it seems to be running lean.  The rubber connections (I'm not even sure what to call them) between the throttle body and intake are poorly fitted, hard, and cracked.  I'd like to purchase new ones, but wanted to find out if there was a preferred source for these.  I can check with the regular Guzzi vendors, but thought there might be A Guy (like I found there was for relays) that can supply them. Thank you!

BTW, I was unfamiliar with M4 exhaust systems but love the sound of their slip-on's on this bike.  They allow all the right sounds to come through but are overall surprisingly quiet.

Edited December 5 by WDGUZZI

[Lucky Phil]

I don't have a definitive answer about sourcing you intake connectors but any rubber part for a motorcycle is the most difficult thing to replicate when sources dry up. If you intend keeping the bike for a long period then always buy additional rubber components when you get the chance like I do. The unused stuff I put in a clip lock plastic bag after treating with Armour all and store under the house where it's cool and dark. The intake rubbers are hard from new as they are made from a high shore rubber. The cracking can look worse than it really is and not be causing leaking.

Phil  

[WDGUZZI]

Phil, thank you for this insight.  I thought if need be I'll fill in the cracks as best I can with non-hardening epoxy and try to reinstall and line them up better.

[Lucky Phil]

3 minutes ago, WDGUZZI said:

Phil, thank you for this insight.  I thought if need be I'll fill in the cracks as best I can with non-hardening epoxy and try to reinstall and line them up better.

Yes maybe. They are a bitch to remove/install on a V11 sport. I usually fit them to the throttle bodies and inlet spigots then bolt the inlet spigots to the heads.  

I'd be interested in learning what non hardening epoxy can be used to repair rubber components?

Edited December 5 by Lucky Phil

[WDGUZZI]

I'll try to find the name of the epoxy I had in mind.  It is popular for bonding sailboat hulls to decks and I've had good luck with it for a variety of materials.  There is a hardening and non-hardening version of it available.

[pete roper]

Also, if you think it is running lean give it a full tune up before you do anything else. If it has leaky manifold rubbers I’d expect it to be a barely running, spluttering mess. Very often simply ensuring the TPS value is correct and balancing the TB’s will work wonders for *Fixing* issues.

[PJPR01]

These are easily available from MG Cycle and in stock:  Here's the link:

https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=279

Cheap enough you don't need to worry about refurbishing...I had no trouble fitting new ones...you can always add a slight light film of lubricant to help them slip on.

 

Edited December 5 by PJPR01

[WDGUZZI]

Thanks to Pete Roper and PJPRO1.  I have read the tuneup instructions and will get to that but don't have what I need to balance the cylinders yet. 

I'll check that link.  Thanks again!

[WDGUZZI]

For some reason I had not been able to find them myself searching on MG Cycle.  The link was very helpful and I ordered the parts.  Thanks again!

[audiomick]

1 hour ago, PJPR01 said:

These are easily available from MG Cycle and in stock

 

For the sake of completeness, also in Europe.

Wendel in Berlin

https://wendelmotorraeder.de/ansauggummi-sp1100iv11brgr_gu01114390-p-1034021.html?ref=expl

Stein-Dinse

https://www.stein-dinse.com/de/item-1-1020293.html

 

I'm pretty sure that in both cases they are not original parts, so apparently someone is making "after-market" replacements.

 

PS: in my opinion, the best lubricant for fitting rubber bits is silicone spray. Works wonders. A judicious application of a hot-air gun is also often a good thing.

[docc]

3 hours ago, Lucky Phil said:

I don't have a definitive answer about sourcing you intake connectors but any rubber part for a motorcycle is the most difficult thing to replicate when sources dry up. If you intend keeping the bike for a long period then always buy additional rubber components when you get the chance like I do. The unused stuff I put in a clip lock plastic bag after treating with Armour all and store under the house where it's cool and dark. The intake rubbers are hard from new as they are made from a high shore rubber. The cracking can look worse than it really is and not be causing leaking.

Phil  

Regarding rubber chemistry preservation, consider what many consider the very best product available:

https://www.amazon.com/Honda-Genuine-Shin-Etsu-Grease/dp/B006Z9TZ9M

[Lucky Phil]

3 minutes ago, docc said:

Regarding rubber chemistry preservation, consider what many consider the very best product available:

https://www.amazon.com/Honda-Genuine-Shin-Etsu-Grease/dp/B006Z9TZ9M

Cost is prohibitive for us docc. That there's a $50aud tube of grease by the time we get it and here they charge a lot more for the product itself. I did some research on buying it a few years ago

Phil 

[docc]

41 minutes ago, Lucky Phil said:

Cost is prohibitive for us docc. That there's a $50aud tube of grease by the time we get it and here they charge a lot more for the product itself. I did some research on buying it a few years ago

Phil 

That is not a Honda part in AUS? They did not sell the "Del Sol" there?

[Lucky Phil]

1 hour ago, docc said:

That is not a Honda part in AUS? They did not sell the "Del Sol" there?

You can buy it here but it's expensive. Not sure they sold the del sol here.

Phil

[LowRyter]

The tech that hasn't got around to rebuilding my gearbox told me 4 years ago to buy the last of the rubber manifolds.  Of course I didn't. 

 

But the bike isn't rideable, so there's that.