87 kx5 Carburetor Holder ?

[GreenMachine1974]

My 87 Kx5 needs a new carburetor holder; the boot that goes from the cylinder to the carb.  My rubber holder is rotted through and I want to replace it.  I ordered one from Babbits but it appears Kawasaki has discontinued this part ?

Will the 88 Kx5 Holder work on this bike ?

Any suggestions, ideas or outright insults would be appreciated?

[HodaddyB]

Interesting..........the '87 part# is 16065A, and the '88 part# is 16065. This ought to make them different parts indeed. However, the reed cage numbers are the same: 12021

So this tells me that the hole pattern is the same. I imagine that perhaps the length of the runner might be different, since the part numbers for the carbs are the same. If you look at the parts side by side, it appears that the runner itself is a bit longer and angled on the '88 model. They also show one of the "ears" that most intake boots have, that extend into the reed cage. If the length and angle of the '88 part isn't a problem, then those ears could be trimmed if need be. Then again, if the reed cages are the same, it's possible the '87 illustration just isn't very accurate and/or the ears happened to have been added in '88.

I am in the same boat as you though. My carb holder is also in pretty bad shape.

[hughes]

I ran the new style carb boots for a few years on my 87 500 with no issues. First thing is that two little tabs on top of the carb boot that help line up and center the carb during install need to be trimmed for proper fit. You can make it work. You'll notice inside the carb boot theirs a seal ring. It's important that this seal ring fits the groove on the carb bore, this ensures good tight seal between the carb and boot.

[hughes]

Picture

[HodaddyB]

Thanks for the confirmation on the parts compatability Hughes!

[GreenMachine1974]

Thanks guys !  This is top notch stuff and I really appreciate your advice.