There should be flat steel ring pieces inside the rubber air filter manifolds to help them keep their shape. Are they missing? I have always put the carbs on the air cleaner box first then inserted the assembly into the engine side manifolds.

 

Thanks. Yes I have the steel inserts but I’ve found that the rubber is looking weary so will replace. I shall persevere 👍

 

I am struggling...........
Days of frustration in trying to get airbox to carbs to mate.
I have a 21yo ‘new to me’ TB. It’s been well loved and I’m slowly going over everything. I fitted a new K&N filter and following some advice found here used zip ties to mate the two halves of the box. I removed the carbs and cleaned them. Carbs back on and snug into engine rubbers.

the bigger challenge is getting the airbox to mate. I’ve mangled the rubbers and ordered some replacements ( tricky to source). I now know I have to start again in the refitting process but scared I’ll mangle them again.

I did see all the posts on this topic, a fair few, and one thing I want to try is splitting the box and just mating the filter side half first - I can then easily re stitch the box body afterwards. Anyone found this a good way to go? If so any tips.

I have read all the tips about WD40 / grease / white spirit.......etc.

anything new out there to assist and guide me on?

I’m getting to a point where pod filters feel best as easier but I don’t have the skill to reset all the carbs. Is this though just the easier option? Bummer if it is as the new K&N filter was pricey.

All pointers accepted.
Thanks View attachment 761407

I do believe I have one of your bikes cousins. Almost a dead match. After I got it many years ago I purchased the Triumph OEM track silencers aka straight pipes. I had it rejetted and dyno tested. Ran like a champ for years. Let it set for a year or so. Couldn’t get it started. Cleaned the carbs. Twice. Still runs lean. Replaced air box. Plugs are light Gray/ white. Oil was changed not long ago. When I changed the air box the one I had taken out had 8 or 10 1/2” holes drilled in it. Why would that be? Mixture control? I have adjusted the pilot screws with little improvement. Any ideas or suggestions? Thank you JR

 

What carbs do you have? How have you cleaned them? Did you drill holes in the new airbox?

 

And then after about a million attempts it'll just slip into place as easy as and you'll wonder what you did different to all the other times.