Refitting stock air cleaner/breather box on '79 1000SP

[ukdavo]

This thing is driving me crazy. Decided to change air cleaner, wanted to clean/adj distrib anyway. A bit of a struggle to pull the boot off and back the breather box out. Checked the pcv valve; it has been updated & looks clean. BUT - reassembling this thing is freaking HARD. Velocity stacks in the way, engaging the boot with the lip on the breather box is impossible, but it won't fit if I preassemble it. I MUST be doing something wrong - any ideas? I searched the archives, no luck. Are the velocity stacks necessary? Sure would appreciate some advice. Thanks in advance. David

[Arizona Wayne]

If you can get to the part of the rubber that won't attach to the carb, take a small flat screw driver and put it between the rubber and metal.  Move it along and this will spread the rubber so the 2 will attach.

[mtiberio]

did you pull one of the carb/manifold assemblies? 3 bolts. only way to do it without losing your mind that I know of short of crabbing the frame.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Some of those early breather boxes were designed by the Marquis de Sade.

[yackee]

Easy to switch to pod filters!

[charlie b]

That's why I changed to pods.

[ukdavo]

Thanks, folks. I'll try pulling one of the carbs. I try to keep things stock if I can; next time I may buy a newer breather box and switch to a K&N setup. Crazy design for a routinew maintenance item!!! Davbid

[Tom]

Just keep the stock items for resale with the bike when/if you sell.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Some of those early breather boxes were designed by the Marquis de Sade.

Maybe ol' Lino Tonti was a descendant of the Marquis de Sade?