Preserve or revive cv carb diaphragms

Hello,
I have an 81 xs400 that is almost ready to get up and running. I have done some searching here and on Google about carb diaphragms, mine are old but not punctured. How do you keep them flexible and working smoothly? I read that they are made of nitrile, is there something I can put on them or soak them in to keep them nice and flexible?

I read something about people using rubber renue stuff, silicone spray, and on this forum I saw someone soaking them in some red liquid, but not sure what it was, Mystery oil?

Thanks for the help.

I've heard wintergreen oil can revive old rubber diaphrams for a time but haven't tried it myself.

When I put carbs in storage for long periods of time I coat them with Lucas red and tacky grease. I have some that have been put up for more than 15yrs now and still like new. You have to keep them in bodies with the tops on so they keep their shape. As for getting stiff ones to soften up maybe a brake fluid soak for a while then grease. But if they are that bad the lips may already be cracked making them no good.

Try JBM industries for brand new ones...about 20$ a pop.

Not sure if they're nitrile but try to avoid anything with petroleum ingredients.

I'm with Jeff, just replace them and move on.

Agree to replace if you can get them for cheap. It's too bad that the xs360 ones are unavailable anywhere.