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Message started by hugo-m on 09/14/09 at 14:26:53

Title: savage head gasket
Post by hugo-m on 09/14/09 at 14:26:53

hi.. anyone know if i can change the head gasket on my 1988 savage without taking the engine out of the frame .. thanks

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/14/09 at 14:49:52

Many have asked, because of an oil leak. If thats it, most likely isnt the head gasket.

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by Serowbot on 09/14/09 at 15:13:05

Oh yeah,... if it's just the leaky head plug, it's just under the valve cover... do that in place.
but if it's the head gasket,... you probably want to pull the motor.

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by hugo-m on 09/14/09 at 15:24:22

hi.. here is the story .. fins below head gasket level get oiled fins above gasket line are dry ,this only occurs when engine is under pressure no leak when idling .. after a short journey i get specks of oil on my boots and drips onto engine casing .. there is no oil being burnt and not even the slightest bit of smoke from exhaust .. no extra noise (as a blown gasket does) bike has done 16000 miles and is in good condition ,the last full service was in january this year, usually this bike uses very little oil ..i am baffled as to where the oil is coming from .. engine does seem to get faster when stood at lights so i think its overheating a little but timing and carburetor were checked at service and tuned to correct specs.. any help with this problem would be very welcome .. hugo

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by verslagen1 on 09/14/09 at 15:42:20

retorque the nuts (fore and aft).
You may have to replace the gasket

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/14/09 at 19:14:56

Sounds like a leaky head cover. I dont think a head gasket would act like that, would it? Theres not so much oil in the combustion chamber as there is a mix of gas & air.

Well, maybe I read that too fast.. How far down the jug is this oil coming into view? In inches.. okay?

Time to have a look at the cam chain tensioner for sure, anyway.

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by verslagen1 on 09/14/09 at 23:10:31

if it's at the bottom of the head and not above then it's the gasket between head and cylinder. If the bolts get loose it will leak. retorque and see how it goes.

You might get the head off in the frame, but it will be alot easier out.

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by hugo-m on 09/14/09 at 23:57:26

hi.. thanks for input, i will get my tools out and take a look after work this evening ... hugo

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by Phelonius on 09/15/09 at 09:42:28

The shop manual lists head removal as one of the thin gs it is possible to do in the frame but it will be a really really tight fit getting it in and out.
Remove the rocker cover first and check the head plug. You may save yourself a lot of work.

Phelonius

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by serenity3743 on 09/15/09 at 12:53:07

I recall that somebody said you can possibly tilt the engine forward to remove the head. Do this by removing the upper engine mounts and cam assembly cover, loosening the rear lower engine mount bolt(s?), and removing the front lower engine mount bolt. I know I have to install a new head gasket this fall, but I have not tried this method yet. I think it would be wise to begin loosening the 6 head bolts (4 on top and 1 each fore and aft) BEFORE tilting or removing the engine. I also plan to check the compression before teardown to hopefully verify that I don't need rings. My engine now has about 20,000 miles on it and I'm planning a new cam chain and adjuster at the same time.

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by verslagen1 on 09/15/09 at 13:30:39

I have done the cam chain in the frame and can tell you its very tight.
If I were you the extra effort to take it out my way is worth it.
Ask me later or search

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/15/09 at 15:52:39

I didnt feel cramped doing the cam chain. It seemed to me the trouble I was having wouldnt change, even with more room. BUT,, I may be a bit slow...

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by MMRanch on 09/15/09 at 18:53:13

Hugo

Yes you can take the head and the block off without taking the motor from the frame.

The studs (4) that come out of the case and runs to the Head Bolts come out. While you have them out put screwdriver slots in the upper end of them so you can run them to bottom durning reassembly.

I've had mine out by twice now looking for a weard noice that come in about 55 mph under load. Kinda like a slap or knock. I though it was a head gasket ( checked it out, )..... This last time I seated the valves--- still got the noise ???? Must be nature of the beast !!!!!

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by serenity3743 on 09/16/09 at 05:04:52

544654464B58575A51190 wrote:

I have done it that way, but those 4 head bolts are a booger to get out. I truly think it's easier to leave them in place, by either tilting the engine or just taking it out.

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by hugo-m on 09/22/09 at 11:47:33

hi.. yes the job is done .. i took the head cover off no problem .. the cause of the oil leak was the head seal cap.. i sealed it in with loctite gasket cement .. feels like a different bike now .. thanks to all for tips and hints..

Title: Re: savage head gasket
Post by sakara on 09/22/09 at 12:30:25

Nice. well done.