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Message started by Jimworx on 06/23/08 at 19:48:47

Title: valve adjustment
Post by Jimworx on 06/23/08 at 19:48:47

Just curious, how do you adjust the valves on a savage? How often should it be done?

Thanks,
Jim

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by barry68v10 on 06/23/08 at 19:58:45

First valve CHECK should be done at 600 miles. Owner's manual/repair manuals recommend intervals after that. If you own a Savage, get a repair manual and the Savage CD, will pay for themselves many times over.

A quick search will yield lots of previous discussion on the valve check/adjustment. Festive! ;D

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by verslagen1 on 06/23/08 at 20:01:59

I know this is hard, but let me walk you thru it...
1) click on 'general category'
2) click on 'Technical Documents/Reference'
3) double click on 'Table of Contents with links' (second one from the top)
4) click on 'Adjusting your valves' (7th from top)

Owners manual says every 3500 miles.

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by Jay on 06/23/08 at 20:59:49

Jimworx,

Read the section verslagen1 pointed you to three times, have all of the tools ready. I believe it calls for an offset wrench. Trust me, go get one. Follow the directions there, it's better than the Clymers. Good luck and good wrenching.
Ride safe,
Jay

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by Reelthing on 06/23/08 at 22:45:56

if'n I was you I'd have a pair of .003 or .004" feelers - really is best to adjust both at the sametime - after all their on the same rocker arm - but if she's not click'n I'd sure not adjust it right off - just check it a few times first.

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/24/08 at 01:05:03

MAAAn,, why didnt I think of that? Loosen off both adjusters, slip a feeler gauge under both, run it down, tighten the jam & VI Ola,,, yer good! This could really speed the process.

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by KwakNut on 06/24/08 at 01:53:43

46595F5845427343734B59551E2C0 wrote:

MAAAn,, why didnt I think of that? Loosen off both adjusters, slip a feeler gauge under both, run it down, tighten the jam & VI Ola,,, yer good! This could really speed the process.

But always double-check it after you've tightened them. A 1mm pitch thread will tighten the gap by .001" with just 9 degrees of rotation - and the screw can easily move twice that when the locknut is nipped tight. Even when you hold it in place with the screwdriver while tightening the locknut, those little sods move just to p you off.

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by rpgpgmr on 06/24/08 at 05:26:21

Get the offset wrenches ... BOTH of them. When I did my adjustment last month for the first time it went sooooo smoothly because of those offset wrenches. I'd like to think that I could do it without them, but I doubt it! Also, I bought the Motion Pro Timing Plug Wrench. That was pretty awesome too. I've used it on my bike and the old lady's. There is a link on here (several I think) on how to make your own, but doing it the easy way was worth $20 to me. ;)

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/24/08 at 06:44:18

I havent got an offset 10 MM yet, but one day,,, One day,, I just use a regular old craftsman 10 MM, but I can see how it would be easier with one that drops down. The offset screwdrivers for holding the adjuster while the jam nut gets the squeeze really changed the hassle factor. I was doing it with just the wrench & turning the adjuster by fingertip for the longest time. Tedious, not recommended.

RPGpgmr, is there a pic of that Timing PLug Wrench?

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by rpgpgmr on 06/24/08 at 07:14:18

This isn't where I bought it (can't remember exactly) but this is it:

http://www.revzilla.com/product/motion-pro-timing-plug-wrench

The pictures posted online are a little misleading as to the actual size. I'll take a picture for you tonight with it next to the bike. Made the job so much easier and won't scratch the cover. Like I said, for $20 it is well worth it. I think I even got it cheaper than that? LOTS of sites on the net are selling it so just pick the cheapest ... but not Phat Performance. Deal with them at your own risk. >:(

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/24/08 at 07:25:56

I Googled & saw a pic, but it looked like something that would go on a keychain in that pic.

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by KwakNut on 06/24/08 at 08:07:32

6B747275686F5E6E5E66747833010 wrote:

I Googled & saw a pic, but it looked like something that would go on a keychain in that pic.

It's quite a substantial thing - about 10 inches across.

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by Sandy Koocanusa on 06/24/08 at 20:21:28

Those tools are probably very handy, but if you don't have them, don't let it keep you from doing the job. I used a box-end 10 mm wrench, a ratchet and socket to turn the engine over, and ground a 1 inch spade bit into a really effective plug wrench. I've been in there twice now, so it can be done. My problem is that when I go spend 20 bucks on a new tool, I lose it right away. The rusty old wrenches I had in high school just keep following me around.

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by rpgpgmr on 06/25/08 at 04:23:16

Here's a picture of my Motion Pro Timing Plug Wrench.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk255/rpgpgmr/IMG_0163.jpg

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/25/08 at 07:49:23

I like it. I cant afford it, tho. If I had one of those, I would want an engine that had a timing plug that fit each end of it..surely, you see my dilemma.

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by Digger on 08/03/08 at 20:10:22

607364657A7771737827160 wrote:

FWIW.....you're also supposed to torque the cylinder head nuts about every 3500 miles. Not a hard job.....just tedious.

BTW, who out there (except me) actually torques the head nuts on this schedule?

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by verslagen1 on 08/03/08 at 20:38:48

Are you kidding me? There's a time bomb in there and you haveta reset it every so often and how many of these bikes blows up cause they won't even spring for a $10 gasket?

Besides 3500 miles? that's like every 3 months. It only rains once a year for a week out here. And I have to have my supplies ready so I can get all my majors done.

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/03/08 at 22:38:20

18,000 miles, head bolts have never been touched.

Title: Re: valve adjustment
Post by Jay on 08/03/08 at 22:50:16

If you're tight on cash, check out Harbor Frieght. I know, I know; alot of folks on this forum think their tools are crap, but if you can't afford the good stuff, theirs will work in a pinch. I got a whole set of Metric offsets for $20, compared to $12 for a single Craftsman wrench.