Same petcock, I've ordered a new air filter, would be here in a couple days

This morning I had my bike at 50 and still pulling in 3r,meaning I could have gone further in third, when I went to 4th I Was still pulling and hit 60, and could have gone faster easily. Had to slow down before I got too close to the car in front of me. I think it likes to run in the cool temps better than the higher 70/80s, yesterday it was chilly and it ran great as well. 50-55 in 3rd before I entered 4th. The engine sounds fine, I know what the cam chain tensioner is and I don't think its the issue. There is a noise but its just the sound of the headlight rattling. A lose heat shield and the actual sound if the engine ( you can hear the piston and gearsmoving at idle up close as well as when in riding, but it isn't an inconsistent knock that would suspect a bad tensioner) overall I think its fine, I just need to rev it more!

You might want to eliminate the fuel filter. There has been a lot of anecdotal evidence on this site that Savages can be finicky about inline fuel filters. Unless your tank is a rusty, scaly mess inside there is no need for it. The little screens on the petcock should be enough block anything big enough to cause a carburetor/fuel issue.

Sounds like a solid plan. I'll put it on this weekend. Also, whenever I turn the engine off and park it, I turn the petcock to reserve. Previous owner said to do it so the carb doesnt flood. I know the middle positions requries a vaccum to suck fuel in, its just a habit. Does this do anything or dies it not matter turning it to reserve when its off?

If it works, it works. Recommendations on this site are to use genuine Yamaha, as some people have had problems with the knockoffs not passing enough fuel or developing leaks.

RE turning to reserve when parked. That does NOT shut off fuel to the carb. It is the same result as leaving the petcock in the ON position. You need to manually turn it to OFF. The idea of all petcock valves (vacuum or manual) is to cut off the fuel supply to the carb. This is to keep gasoline from flooding the carb or crankcase or your floor in case the carb float valve doesn't properly shut off fuel to the float bowl.

bobert_FSO wrote on 05/12/15 at 06:55:56:


By George I think he's got it!

Ordered a raptor petcock. Alls well should make it run better than it already does

well coming home today, In third at 45 it was jumping forward a bit at high revs, so I went to 4th. Cam home and there was oil on the left side cooling fins in the middle of the head. Its been leaking when I rev high a lot since I got it, previous owner said it did it when he owned it but its no big deal just let it weep, as long as the oil level is fine its fine.