Hi, I have a question for the savage Gurus.  I picked up a 1986 Savage for my wife last year for a good price as the engine needed work (the motor had dreaded kick back damage and the starter gear had lost a few teeth).  Over the winter months I purchased a used motor, the guy said it was hard starting and maybee was off its timing.  Took off the carb and cleaned it up. I put the engine at TDC, took off the cylinder head cover and adjusted the camshaft so the alignment marks on the left end of the shaft were even with the end of the engine case (left and right) (also replalce the "plug" while I had the top off).  Put the cover back on and she fired up first flick of the button.  I also adjusted the valvaes when I had the engine oout of the frame.  The bike works great but I have a few questions.  First and concerning is the heat of the engine and the exhaust.  The pipe has turned blue and it goes down to the footrest coverplate, after riding for say 10 mis or so, the exhaust will sizzle water when sparyed on it.  I understand it will be hot neat the exhaut port, but it will also sizlle water on the extreme end by the rear foot peg, is this normal????.  Also the forward valvae cover will sizzle water as well, again should this be this hot????.  I looked at my filter and it was dirty, so I took it out and ran with it for a bit with the same results.  I am concerned with running the engine with this heat (I have a Virago and it doesn't get that hot) and the damage it may do.  Can she be running "Rich" would that cause it to run hot, or maybee this temperature is normal for the Savage (after all it is a big single).  

Second question is I have a tapping and I am not sure what it is, could it be a lifter.  I put my hand on that area and can't feel any vibration or hear anything in that area.

So as for the Savage my wife loves it, It is very low and a joy to ride, I love the sound it makes.  Just a little concerned on the engine heat.  Gladly welcome all comments.  Love this forum as it has answered any questions I have on my wives bike.  Thanks

Stoner      

Some year models were jetted reasonable from the factory. I don't know whach those are. The recent ones are all lean & blue the exhaust often. Mine didn't until I was sitting still, listening to the valves clicking, & it blued from the revs I did. Ratts! Owell,,
Is the exhaust stock? Is the carb stock? If it's bluing the pipe, only after you worked on it, what';s different? What feeler gauge did you use adjusting the valves?

I wouldnt run it till I figured out why its so lean.Blue the pipes in 10 minutes sure sounds hottttt.

Dam.  I know that was a disappointment.

Check for exhaust leaks too.

Did it pop or backfire while you rode?

stoner wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05:

"This hot" is pretty relative.  Everytime I've burned myself on the pipe, I thought the same thing

New exhaust gasket or one in good condition?

No smoke in the exhaust indicates a clean burn, but it could also mean it is too lean.  It's not supposed to smoke, and black would mean too rich.

I suppose that if you have the valves way too tight it could be valves, but you also mentioned a ticking sound which could mean there is a clearance.  Did you adjust to .003'-.005"?  Did you adjust them at TDC on the Exhaust Stroke?

What type exhaust or what modifications are made to the stock exhaust?

I am running the factory stock exhaust.  I can remember adjusting the valves to the clearance given in the valve clear guide given in the forum, I am assuming I was at TDC in the right stroke as I did have play in both rockers (in and exhaust).  What about your engine Greg, does it get as hot as mine, will it sizzle water on the front valve cover.  The rear is hot also, but not as hot (will not sizzle water).  The exhaust seal was used, but looked in good shape.  You menationed "Lean", can I adjust this by playing with the carb??

Stoner

ok as for the engine, the engine I put in was also a 4 speed so it is the same as the one I took out , right (I do beleive it came from an 87, but I will check my back emails from the guy).  As for the valvaes I just got home and checked my gage, the feeler gage I used has on it 0.30, thats it,  no inches or MM indication.  Is this the same as .003 (up to .005) or am I out to luch here (I hope I am) .  The lowests stick I have in my feeler gage set is 0.10 and it goes up to 0.40.


Thanks guys

Stoner

stoner wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05:

What a minute.  What are we talking about here?

I'm not sure that I understand.  You intended to write ".3"?

That is 100 times what you want..  No.  Not .03" either.  .3" is 100 times the thickness of .003".  The range is .003"-.005" just as I wrote.  Metric is different, but even .3 MM would be too big.

Let's stop talking about sizzling water.  That is a minor issue.  Do like Max said and step backwards.  Redo time.  

Go out and get some real feeler gages, not just spark plug gages, and then learn the decimal system, and then get a manual.  Okay?

I seriously think that you need to start over.