There is rubber between the gas tank and valve cover and also between the carbs and the tank. Are these necessary? What purposes do they serve besides water drainage and a buffer between the carbs? I ask because I accidently forgot to put the front one on that goes around the steering stem and didn't know if I needed to put it back on er not. Thanks guys.

 

i dont know but you shouldnt be lazy jsut put it back on!

 

The front one helps shield your gas tank from the heat of your engine. Take the time to put it back on.

~HoundDog

 

Ive ran mine for a very long time without them on. The motor gets a lot dustier, as do the carbs..just be sure and clean it off before tearing into something to work on it. I havent had one issue with taking them off..no big deal.