There's gotta be a trick

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dpmellish

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I've been trying to install my stock air filter back on my '74 MKIIa and the thing is KILLING ME!! I've already ruined one carb hose and 3 of my fingers. Is there a trick to this? And no I don't want to put a K&N on it. Thanks in advance!!
 
I don't even know how you got it off to begin with. I destroyed mine just trying to get it out :twisted: . Didn't bother me though. I like my K&N. :wink:
 
I have a single carb on mine and force it in place and then rebend or fit the steel filter holder. There is no real trick or good way except in the years I've avoided changing mine losing your temper as I do guarantees you'll destroy at least one paper element in the process. The only way I've found to install it without killing everyone around you is feed it in long ways kind of from the bottom and turn it as it goes in and don't be afraid to bend the crap out of the holder it can be made to conform.
 
dpmellish said:
I've been trying to install my stock air filter back on my '74 MKIIa and the thing is KILLING ME!! I've already ruined one carb hose and 3 of my fingers. Is there a trick to this? And no I don't want to put a K&N on it. Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...

Yes, there is a trick. It's been posted here before.
 
I have a single carb on mine and force it in place and then rebend or fit the steel filter holder. There is no real trick or good way except in the years I've avoided changing mine losing your temper as I do guarantees you'll destroy at least one paper element in the process. The only way I've found to install it without killing everyone around you is feed it in long ways kind of from the bottom and turn it as it goes in and don't be afraid to bend the crap out of the holder it can be made to conform.
Click to expand...

A Mk2A has the big plastic box similar to the Mk3. It uses a foam element. This airbox must have been the second thing fitted to the frame (after the horn!). I don't see how you got it out if the engine was still in place!

It makes the removing the perforated metal one a walk in the park.
 
I get high first, then seating on both side of bike, carbs assembled to manifolds and rubbers stuffed up on their throats, with air box and filter element in place I slide the carbs in sideways and nip them up then, get higher and beer refreshed and use screw drivers-blunt edge probes and work the rubber seal lips into air box.
I've quit using K/N filters in air box or scab on kind unless I've put extra layer of filter foam over as K/N don't filter the fine grit I get as well as plain ole paper.
I've added a 3rd through bolt down below middle of air filter box to hold the lower cover up tight to filter and even seated with rest of air box. Heating rubbers helps a little bit if done in mid winter.
 
Isn't there an alternative thinner element, you trim the perforated strip to suit and gain the extra clearance for the manipulation required.
 
Like Britbike says put it in from the lh side horizontally (front cover already on the carbs), protecting the chaincase from the perforated cover. As it slides in gradually rotate into position. Some silicon lube on the ends of the cleaner element works here and stops the carb rubbers from being displaced. .
 
If the 74 is like the 69/70, the flat plate and the ham can filter cover and 2 holes for the rubbers, I messed with this thing the other day and determined it is nearly impossible to get it together like the riders handbook says without a lot of swearing, paint scratching and despair. Take your carbs off at the head. Fit the filter, perforated ham can, cover plate with the rubbers installed, tighten down with the 2 long bolts. Slip the carbs on one at a time onto the rubbers, make sure they are seated correctly and use that shortened allen wrench that all Norton owners have and nip up the carbs, not too tight. It's not that hard if you just work steady and take breaks to unbend your back. I think that's what hobot did, but doesn't help if high unless you are not a mean drunk.

There's gotta be a trick


Dave
69S
 
Self medication has saved my life and those around me plus machinery. Mellows pain and mood to, don't give a shit deep down, so can just act like I do to get stuff done. Can only stand some beer, a bit of wine or real moonshine otherwise It just brings me down and gives hang over. White polluting powders have no draw on me.
By all logic and fate I should not have lived past birth and many times over since. Same with most everyone.

A paraphrase from Bill Jack movies always lurking, often spoken in my ear by dead buddies images. " Death is my constant companion it may take me in very next instant. Everything I do matters like its the last thing I do yet not matter at all to me in the end. "

hobot - "How Much Can I Get Away With and Still Go To Heaven?"
 
Ron L said:
I have a single carb on mine and force it in place and then rebend or fit the steel filter holder. There is no real trick or good way except in the years I've avoided changing mine losing your temper as I do guarantees you'll destroy at least one paper element in the process. The only way I've found to install it without killing everyone around you is feed it in long ways kind of from the bottom and turn it as it goes in and don't be afraid to bend the crap out of the holder it can be made to conform.
Click to expand...

A Mk2A has the big plastic box similar to the Mk3. It uses a foam element. This airbox must have been the second thing fitted to the frame (after the horn!). I don't see how you got it out if the engine was still in place!

It makes the removing the perforated metal one a walk in the park.
Click to expand...

Obviously didn't catch that A part, sorry.
 
I don't have any trouble anymore, I have found the answer.
Completely smother them in grease. Wipe it off with white spirit after.
 
Flo said:
...
Click to expand...

Flo, I've been meaning to ask, are you the same "Flo" that does the Progressive Insurance TV commercials?

If so, I guess you've switched from a "900 V-twin" to a certain British 750/850 parallel twin, correct?
 
Flo said:
I ain't never 'eard of that one.
Insurance - Yeugh!
Click to expand...

Pretty sure they don't get bombarded with the Progressive Insurance commercials like we do. Lucky bastards.
 
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