Hi all, just joined here over the weekend.  Very cool sight. (already posted an intro in the proper section.)   Anyway...on to the reason for this post.  I just got my 02 Savage about a month ago.  It has just over 9k miles.  There appears to be a slight oil leak possibly originating between the cylinder and cylinder head (the oil collects on the cooling fins below where the cylinder and head meet).  I am assuming may be the head gasket?  It is not a major leak, leaves a oil spot on the garage floor about the size of a quarter after setting a few days.  Sometimes I get a bit of smoke from the oil burning off the cooling fins.  The oil level is in range, but on the high side.  I check it everytime before I ride.  Should I just let this go for a while or should I be concerned?  Is it common?  I don't ride far, just short cruises to work etc.  The real kicker is, doesn't seem to leak during every ride.

Next question: my turn signals have started acting strange.  When I first start the bike, the signals don't work.  After it warms up a few minutes they blink, but at a very delayed rate between blinks.  After I ride for 10 minutes or so, they work fine.  What is the deal here? They worked fine the day I got it, but after getting caught in the rain, I noticed this issue (could be coincidence).  Signal relay?  If so, where is it located on the bike?

Next Q: I want to try adjusting the rear shocks as every bump I find hits me right in my backbone.  Is the 1-5 position actually marked inside the shock and where it can be seen?  My eyes and glasses aren't as good as they used to be.  What is the best tool to use for adjustment?  

I have tried to find some answers in the tech section, but my search-fu is weak.  Any help appreciated.  I have owned several bikes, but this is my first Savage.  Thanks for the help and the board!

You need to have you head torqued, err your head bolts torqued.
torque the one that are nuts front and back till you can get all of them done.  you might need a new gasket to really fix it.

If it's a small leak don't worry about it, they'll be more.  just watch the level.

signal problem, probably the engine ground is dirty or loose.
flasher relay is under the tank.

shocks, on the bottom chrome there's a hole.  stick a screw driver and turn as if you are winding up a rope on the outside of the shock.  it'll probably be real hard.  I've always took the shock off the mounts to adjust it.  and it's easy to see how it's set when you can look up it's skirt.  

verslagen1 wrote on 08/23/10 at 18:24:02:

"signal problem, probably the engine ground is dirty or loose.
flasher relay is under the tank."  Dumb Question Alert: How do I check this?
Thanks

engine ground is to the left of the oil fill window.
to clean remove screw wire brush contact areas, replace screw.
check battery terminals, clean and tight.