My Savage is stripped down - I've sent the frame off to be powder coated.  So, got the gasket set - taking various bits off to helicoil stripped threads etc.
Now, imagine my surprise when I crack open the crankcase cover to replace the gasket and check the much discussed cam chain tensioner - first it's almost popping out!  (This despite it's former owner telling me it has had a new camchain and parts) Looks as if I'll have to replace or modify the tensioner and/or chain. (Has anybody gone into production yet?)
However - more disturbing, is the finding of a small rod in the bottom of the crankcase - it's approx 1cm long by 3mm diameter - where the hell has that come from?  Any ideas?



http://www.bikepics.com/members/cybofax/88savage/

Oil pump gear thing?

More likely the cam sprocket alignment pin.

The oil pump pin is shorter.

I wonder where he dropped it but couldn't find it?

So, it's about 3/8" long x 1/8" diameter?

Couldn't be out of the tensioner itself (though I can't imagine how)?  Does the tensioner have all it's parts?

I've been in there messing around, tho not with the oil pump. If I was gonna look anywhere, I would look right where the Doc said. Gonna have to to fix the chain anyway. It's not exactly dangerous yet, but it's looking like time to do it. Will you be considering having the new chain cryogenically treated?I intend to on the next one, but I did at least soak it for a couple O days, si it never was dry.