[MeanGreenZX9R]

So I was workin on the bike, 97 ZX9R, so that I could change the leaky valve cover gasket. I finally get it off and get ready to put on the new gasket and put everything back together when I notice that 3 of the 4 air suction tubes are worn quite a bit at the top. My Haynes manual say to pull them out and check the o-rings at the bottom but I can't get them out. Is some trick I'm missing or what? Thanx for any help you can give.

 

[jowek70]

Air suction tubes?

 

[e1_ZX-9r]

+1 As you describe, what are the 'air suction tubes" connected to?

 

[brandan787]

get some pliers and twist and pull them strait up. grip them below the o-rings. they are the tubes for the clean air system. they connect to the reeds on the valve cover.

 

[MeanGreenZX9R]

Exactly. Thanx for the info. I was afraid I was missing something, cause they didn't seem to want to budge.

 

[jowek70]

Oh yeah, those are easy.
Wasn't sure what you meant though.
How's she treatin ya?

 

[MeanGreenZX9R]

Not too bad. I found a couple oil leaks and took it to the shop to avoid the headache and then they found a few more oil leaks, $80 more in parts and $300 in labor I decided to tackle it all myself. I've got to replace the valve cover gasket, clutch cover gasket, transmission cover gasket and some oil seal on the shaft behind the front sprocket. My progress is at a stand still until I get the new tubes in later this week. I've decided to install a factory pro shift kit while I'm in there. I may also replace the clutch plates and springs depending on how they look. I've also recently found a brand new full muzzy system and have got a factory pro jet kit being made as well. Hopefully in a couple more weeks I should be riding again.

 

[jowek70]

Mostly easy stuff.
Clutch is simple.
Gasket changes are easy, you'll have to drain the oil outta the bike first though.
The sprocket side case is a MAJOR PITA since it uses 3 phillips head screws that are all but welded on at this stage in the bike's life.

 

[MeanGreenZX9R]

Oh great! So, when I go to pull out these air tubes, do I need to make sure that no oil at all goes down the.holes, or would it not hurt if a lil got on there. It may be a stupid question considering each one has 3 orings on it which normally tells me they are there to seal out all oil but figured I'd ask.

 

[jowek70]

Not sure.
I don't see how oil getting inside an engine would hurt it though?
Maybe the o-rings are to keep the oil in?
I dunno.

 

[MeanGreenZX9R]

Good question. I will have to look into that further before my parts arrive later this week.

 

[brandan787]

i think that those air tubes go to the exhaust just out side of the cylinders so if you get oil in there you will blow some black smoke for a little till its all burned off. but try not to cus if they go into the cylinder itself then you may foul a plug. but 99% sure they go to the manifold area

 

[MeanGreenZX9R]

Thanx for the thought. I've already drained the oil, but would it hurt to soak up some of the residual oil with a clean so that when I do pull the tubes no oil drops down into them?