That was the purpose of my question?  Could or did Permatex clog the oil pump...and I know that dealers are quick and willing to offer all kinds of shop labor  

My question is more like, if there was oil in the top end recesses, was it really oil starved because of a clogged oil pump?  If there was permatex on the side covers, then why did the previous owner open the cover and what did he do?

Is there an inlet strainer on the engine oil pump?  I don't know.

hellstorm wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:03:


Could be a couple things, even a new bike can have a defect.  Fuel getting into the cylinder can leak down past the rings when the bike is off.

Leaking fuel petc0ck diaphragm:  Check by yanking the vacuum line from the carb to the petc0ck -- Should be dry with no sign of fuel

Leaking / stuck float, needle valve, o-ring:  This one can come and go -- will drive you nuts cause it happens one day then it's gone, and comes back again.  Look for alot of fuel in the airbox by yanking the plug off the drain tube at the boottom of the bike.  If there's alot, there's a problem with fuel control and there's probably fuel in the crankcase as well.  Also, if you check the oil every time you ride you will know there's a problem if your bike "made oil" from the last time.

My bike had both these problems.  The rockers were all that were damaged to the point of needing replacement.  There are scratches in the cam "bearing" seats in the head, but it polished up and works OK.  I had the advantage of seeing this thing for a year as my neighbor's project before I bought it.

To satisfy yourself about the oil pump, clean up the top of the head before re-assembling, and then look inside a rocker cover after running the bike for a few minutes.  If oil's up there, you're fine.  If not, then worry about a clog somewhere.

I really doubt you need a new oil pump, but I believe that from experience with this kind of stuff.  Dealers make money on service, so it should not surprise you they will make it sound like the world is ending if you don't fork over the cash.  That, and most parts counter people and just plain stupid anymore.  Good ones are hard to find.  You can spot them by the gray hair (or gone hair).

If it weren't for those dealers and green parts guys, I wouldn't get such good deals on used equipment.

The savage is not pressure oiled like a small block Chevy, it's pretty much splash - move- splash.  If there's oil at the top of the motor at all, the oil pump is fine.  Permatex may clog the pickup screen and/or the oil filter, but it will go right through the positive displacement pump.

The top end damage is likely from too little oil, gas in the oil, or overheating.  

I had to put a foam pod filter on KLX due to frame clearance problems.

Clive W  

Kropatchek wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:03:


Ah, not only is that an oil restrictor as you mention, but it is also an oil jet/nozzle for lubing the clutch plates.  Right behind it is a vertical oil passage (through a cylinder stud hole) that goes up to the top of the head cover.

So as Kropachek says, if that is missing, there could have been an oil pressure loss to the tope end

If you decide to replace the fuel valve, send the old one to me and I'll convert it to on/off/reserve for you.

Your email address is hidden.  email me at belindabobo@sbcglobal.netand I'll reply.

This will be like overhaulin', except you know what's going on up front.  Alot of folks have asked how to do the manual conversion so I'll take pics and post in the tech section.

Sorry to hear about your car.  What kind of car, and happened?