I’m new to this site (thinking seriously about getting a savage) and had a question about the replacing the spark plug and adjusting the valves.

I understand that the gas tank must be removed in order to replace the spark plug and adjust the valves.  I read that the tank can be pretty ‘stubborn’ at removal …  and the petcock might even have to be removed.  Is this correct?   One place indicated that putting on a different petcock would solve the problem?

I don’t know the maintenance schedule for adjusting the valves and replacing the spark plug… but if both requires removing the tank, I would assume that it would be better to do them both at the same time.

What is the recommended mileage to replace the spark plug… and to adjust the valves?


Thanks for your help,
Ron G

If you take those silly chrome covers off the head, and throw them down the deepest hole you can find,... maintenance becomes much easier...
... and swapping to a Raptor petcock (see Tech section, "Test your petcock")... the tank comes off in 2 minutes... (it's even easy with the stock pet, once you master just where, when, and what, needs to wiggle)... (first time, 45 minutes, busted knuckles and and some frame scratches.... second time, 30 seconds...
...and, probably still one frame scratch)... ...

4k miles valve adjustment... (I go 6 or 8k)...
... and my spark plug may be 20k old... (I only changed it once, because I was bored)...

This an easy bike to care for... maybe the easiest one made in the past 25 years...
...(that's one of the main reasons I bought one,... I'm a lazy, forgetful, no good, maintainer)...
...

You can do the valves with the tank on, you just need the combo tool from Honda or Motion Pro. Or a stubby screwdriver. But it is a LOT easier to check them with the tank out of the way.

Maintenance interval? Suggested in the book works for most owners, but can be shortened or stretched as you gain experience with your machine and your riding style.

Bike looks better with the cheap chrome head covers used for something else, like crab trap weights or similar...

Thanks for everyones help and ideas.  This is a great site for help and information.

Ron G

Yeah, the name 'rong' was somewhat on purpose.  You caught it...!


Ron G

To remove the tank is very easy on this bike. With most every bike I've ever owned to service them it is just easier to remove the tank. The first reason to remove it when service is needed is to not damage it. If you plan on buying any bike and want to service it plan on buying a service manuel, then you will know what to expect to do when servicing your machine. The Savage is simply the easiest bike to maintain and work on. I rebuilt one over the winter and simply had a blast with it. (I'm a service tech by trade) Don't be shy or scared to buy a bike because you might have to remove a tank to service the valves or plug it's really not that hard and if you can't do that ten pay somone to do it.

Have fun when working on it