OK, so I have undone the 4 lower clamps on the inlet manifold rubbers. The material itself is rock hard. The clamps move freely when you push them with a finger so I know they are loose. But I cannot lift the carbs off. I have even tried a crowbar & a tyre lever but they will not lift off. They rock backwards and forwards inside the rubbers but won’t lift out. What am I doing wrong? Anyone had this? Any ideas?
I wouldn't use any tool to lift it, you might crack or bend something. But it can be really hard to remove if the insulators are rock hard. Just keep rocking it back and forth, and applying a reasonable amount of force to pull it up. If the clamps are loose, it will eventually come off. Make sure you keep the last bottom part of the air box still bolted to the carb body, so you have somewhere to hold.
I have previously boiled water in an old jug and then poured it over the back of the head and insulator boots to soften them up for removal. Easier than trying to use a heat gun.