I am a new (happy) Savage owner and quickly realized you do HAVE to love the bike for all it little quirks! I can live with "the leak" for now, though it is getting worse. I like to see my engines from the outside, not the inside. Taking it apart scares me...I'm trying to build courage, need some time...oh it's getting hot in here...
Anyway, my actual question: I have noticed that there is a definate rattle that occurs 5 minutes + after starting and is loudest in the mid-high range, though after very warm, you can even hear it on idle. it is rather constant, doesn't get "faster" as the throttle increases, it is a 97 with just 3000 miles, I know it sat for many years and except for a needed carb cleaning it runs fine. From what I have read it is most likely a rattle from the cam chain, aside from taking the head off is there any other way to know for sure? (I am breaking into a cold sweat just thinking about taking it apart) I can tell you it is internal and assume it can be only that or valve clearance, but I have read the clearance adjustment tech stuff for 2 hours and I just don't get the process...it's a bit over my head. I really like the bike and I can live with noises, just don't want to do damage and have to scrap an otherwise good bike with only 3,000 miles!
Clearly Im no tech guru, can someone help me with some baby steps. I'm thinking if it is the chain and already have the leak I should just suck it up, pay lots of money have a PRO take the head off and fix both problems, get the bill, cry like a man, and get riding!