Airbox design oddity

[ITSec]

I have to wonder why the air box on my Norge (and obviously those on many other Guzzis) have a molded in connector at the rear for the fluid drain. Since it's plastic, sticks out at a right angle to the surface, and is placed right where strain occurs as you return the air box to position after removal, it is clearly going to be damaged.

Mine broke off a while back, and I've tried a couple different replacements and attachment methods (JB Weld, tapping and threaded connector, etc.). All work for a while, but what this spot really needs is a brass t-insert from the inside, with a threaded surface allowing a locking nut from the other side. Hard to find just what I want, but I can draw or describe it. A thin rubber gasket or two might be needed, or some RTV if the surface is clean enough.

Anybody else run into this, and have a solution to suggest?

[guzzisteve]

Yes, a set of oval K&N's.

[n3303j]

Yes, a set of oval K&N's.

Might be a consideration if the K&Ns didn't allow so much dirt to pass into the engine along with the combustion air.

[ITSec]

Well, I'll leave it to another thread to discuss the merits of washable filters of any brand. I have used them with success, and have also used traditional filters with equal success.

What I do know is that the linkage between the throttle bodies and some other components in that area make the usual aftermarket slip-on filters a difficult proposition - as much as they would make things easier in terms of working in that space. It's just too crowded in the area behind the throttle bodies for anything larger than the factory intake tubes.

I suppose I could fabricate an intake manifold that wraps back forward into the space where the box sits now, but a simpler solution may be available.

[Idontwantapickle]

I suppose I could fabricate an intake manifold that wraps back forward into the space where the box sits now, but a simpler solution may be available.

You are so right! And you already thought of it. Fix the airbox!
Try a plumbling house for a fitting that would work, or maybe even a large rivet without a core. Or a real aquarium shop, the ones that make custom tanks, might have something.

Hunter

[RinkRat II]

 They make these for large truck wheels and I've used them on assorted stuff over the years that needed a drain.  Possibilities  abound

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tire-Valve-Stems-Truck-Large-Bore-Spuds-TRSP-2-TR-SP-2-Haltec-H-41-4-Qty-/161047196773?hash=item257f293465:g:tU8AAOxy2YtRvWvw&vxp=mtr

    Paul B

[Demar]

McMaster-Carr part number 8674T42

http://www.mcmaster.com/#8674t42/=1364rds

They have a few sizes

[ITSec]

They make these for large truck wheels and I've used them on assorted stuff over the years that needed a drain.  Possibilities  abound

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tire-Valve-Stems-Truck-Large-Bore-Spuds-TRSP-2-TR-SP-2-Haltec-H-41-4-Qty-/161047196773?hash=item257f293465:g:tU8AAOxy2YtRvWvw&vxp=mtr

    Paul B

A worthy thought - I like the fact they have in internal thread as well as the external; if they were a bit longer they'd be even better suited to this use!

[Bisbonian]

I plugged that hole with something then ran the breather hose to a Red Bull can under the seat.

No more oil in the air box.

[jim_W]

 I know this topic is old but would anyone know if this could be a good fix?

store.acpsales.com/products/3305/ez-vac-connector?gclid=Cj0KCQjw37fZBRD3ARIsAJihSr0r75zcPKzHJP4meNXk_VeRajfsEvfhuWrTskFkvlSga9UyZCWwRZ4aAo4KEALw_wcB

[Roebling3]

+1 Demar on McMaster-Carr. Do a bit of easy browsing and you'll likely find the proportions you need.  R3~