Putting o-rings in the manifolds with minimal short words

[tlbranth]

You think the carbs are ready to go. You're wrong but you want to bolt them down and try them out anyway. The carb set is finally in place. There's a fair amount of touch-up painting to do on account of the 'carbs in place' fiasco but that's for later. Right now you need to bolt down the carb set and find out what doesn't work this time. Putting the o-rings in the manifold grooves isn't easy to do with your fat, scarred fingers. So here's an easy way to do it. The manifolds will lift maybe 1/2" or so. dab some thick grease (vaseline, sil-glyde or some such) in spots on the top of the o-ring. Put the o-ring on top of the pointy end of a wooden shim or a very thin piece of wood. Lift the manifold, move the shim/o-ring assembly under the manifold and push upward, moving the shim around if necessary until the wood is flat against the manifold. This means the o-ring is in place and the grease will hold it there. Do all four, bolt it down and Bob's your uncle. Now you can find out why the carbs have to come out again.

[desertrefugee]

Yup. Grease works for holding all manner of gasket, o-ring and seal in place 'til you can secure it. Good tip.