Silicone is your friend: Why everyone should have a can in the toolbox.

The story

On the first day as a technician, Bob handed me a large Ziplock bag containing two XV1100 carburetors.

Bob was the Shop Foreman with 30 plus years of tech experience. He was assigned to teach me and help with my transition into the shop. He asked, “Can you rebuild these?” Me, “Yeah, of course.”

“I’ll leave you to it,” He said while walking to his neighboring workbench.

I proceeded to organize all the parts needed for the rebuild. At this point in my life, I had a decent amount of experience with carb work. I was confident that I could complete Bob’s request. After all, this was my first day. I had to do a good job.

Everything went back together as it should. The new jets, needles, valves, O rings, and gaskets were in, and the carbs were ready to be re-installed on the bike.

Bob gave me a look of approval as he rolled the XV1100 onto my lift. “Put em’ in,” he said with a grin. I knew what the grin was for… a real test of my capability as a tech.

“Alright Brandon, don’t f*** this up,” I thought as I acknowledged Bob.

Those familiar with carburetor installs know how tricky they can be. Shoving the carb bodies into the rubber intake manifolds or airbox hoses can be difficult. These fittings are designed to be tight to keep extra air from entering the intake tract.

Any job takes patience, but a dual carb v-twin is a real pain in the ass. I wrestled with that XV for an eternity. As soon as I would get one intake seated in its boot, the other cylinder’s would pop out. Frustration was setting in.

Meanwhile, Bob was observing my game of carb whack-a-mole from his bench. Already knowing the answer to his question he asked, “How’s it coming?”

“I can’t get these things to seat,” I said.

Bob smiled.

“Silicone is your friend” he said, reaching onto his shelf to grab a can. He sprayed each intake with a shot, grabbed the carbs, and started to work them into the boots.

I watched as they slid in like butter. Bob made it look so easy.

The takeaway

Silicone spray is one of the best lubricants to use when dealing with rubber components.

There is no risk of it breaking down compounds. When wet, it softens the rubber and makes it pliable and easier to work with. When the spray dries, it forms a protective coating for rubber.

Use it when removing/installing intake boots, airbox clamps, hoses, grommets, battery straps, or any other rubber parts or pieces. It will save you time and trouble.

Grab a can at your dealership’s parts department or check the local hardware store. You won’t regret having it in your toolbox.

I use Honda Pro’s brand, but almost any spray will work. Ensure that it is a silicone spray and not grease. There is a difference…

Make your life easier next time you are working on your bike. Remember Bob’s advice. Silicone is your friend!