chzeckmate wrote on 08/01/15 at 19:20:21:Hearing about a bike sitting for years on end leaves a lump in my throat every time.
If I saw a listing for a 98 Savage that had been idle for 5 years I'm going to want to know the carb has been gone through. Do both...Change the petcock and get the carb on the bench. That's the very least you should do. If you're trying to get a decent price there's a lot more that needs to be done but that's up to you.
I have a newly formed opinion about a bike that has been in storage for a long time. Do not change the oil or remove the oil filter before trying to start the bike.....and remove the spark plug and spray Sta-Bil Fogging Oil into the cylinder(s) a few days before you attempt to start the bike.
The fogging oil will lubricate the piston and cylinder which is most likely dry from being in storage. Changing the oil and filter removes a lot of oil from the oil system and the bike will run dry for a brief period of time while the oil pressure is established. Check the oil level and add oil as necessary, and then start the bike ....it is better to get the bike running with some oil in the system and old filter and get oil pressure as soon as possible. Then once the engine is warmed up you can dump the old oil and change the filter.....the bearings, cam and piston now has a light coat of oil on it to protect it while the new oil is pumped into the replacement filter. If you are really determined to do a good job of protecting the engine during start up.....you can remove the valve adjustment access covers and squirt some oil onto the camp and rockers.
http://www.coolridesonline.net/news-blog/how-to-maintenance-tips/the-proper-u...