It's easy to fit hoses when the carbs are in place - they aren't a necessity but nice to have in case you have a float stick and pour fuel all over the engine (or the exhaust)
Carb refits can be a trial !
When you've done it once, it gets easier - just remember the mistakes !

 

Hi Charles,
FWIW at this late stage I would highly recommend you get a new set of boots or insulators as Honda like to call them on their parts fische. I know they're expensive but if this bike has been standing that long I'll lay good money on them being full of spits and will cause you problems with air leaks before much longer if not from the outset. Airleacks on the intake are more of a bitch to diagnose on an inline 4 than you would believe. Check around, a set can be had cheaply if you do your homework. Once you've got them on, removing and refitting your carbs will become a pleasure. New ones are so soft it makes the job easy peasy. Always use a thin smear of petroleum jelly when refitting.
Shadow mentioned that it's impossible to get the throttle cables on with the carbs in place. It's not. Take a piece of stiff wire and make yourself a hook on the end which will hold the nipple and cable while you insert it into the pulley. I'm not posting a picture, yo'll have to use your imagination and a decent pair of pliers. Needs must, and sometimes they do too.
Sorry Shadow, have you forgotten? Anything's possible! Grin...

Do let us know when she's a running' Charles.

H

 

Henry - Never tried that !
Much easier to do the job with the carbs upside down IMO
Each to his own I guess.............

New carb boots should be available from Wemoto or someone similar in the UK.
I hate using a hair dryer - it can cause the rubber to split.
Much rather put them in boiling water then apply petroleum jelly.
New ones shouldn't need the hot water......

 

You aren't wrong there Pete but if you have to remove cables with the carbs on;e.g. to change or oil cables it is possible with a little imagination and a well aimed torch. Just saying...
There's no denying it though: New boots = peace of mind and money well spent.

 

Which is the in and which is the out on the fuel pump?

 

That's easy; the inlet side is where the fuel arrives from the gas tank, the outlet side is where it gets pushed off to the carbs.

If all things are how they should be; the inlet is on top.

 

I removed the pump to clean and test it, but the tubes aren't marked. Are you saying that it doesn't matter...it's just the way the hoses are attached? They were side by side before I removed the pump.

 

Looks like it would the top one when installed in this position.

 

I'll line it up using where the wiring is shown entering the pump. Thanks!

 

Well it's stilll not pumping gas but on the bright side I filled the bowls manually and she runs! Found an aftermarket fuel pump on eBay for $30 shipped.