Hi there- So I have a 1987 Savage and it seems to be one issue after another. First off I have taken it to two different mechanics. Once i got it back from the first ,I made it three blocks before it died. There are a few issues. The first being that when I slow to a stop, the engine just dies.If I pull the cluch in it dies. The second issue is that when I try to start it , it makes a very loud knocking noise toward the front bottom engine area of the bike.

Second Mechanic had it for 7 months, and when we got it back, it didn't even turn over. Turns out the spark plug wasn't screwed in. That mechanic said the pit thingy valve needed to be replaced. He rebuilt the carb, replaced the battery and did a few other things. then told me it was a lemon.

i don't believe that it is. I think the problem may be obvious to someone who knows the Savage. I decided I would try to work it out myself with the Climber. I figure I couldn't do much worse, after all. I replaced the starter after finding it had a broken tooth in the gear . I was so certain the noise would have stopped, but it didn't. The Belt was cracked so I replaced it. I replaced the solenoid , and a few other electrical parts, as well as the fuel filter.

I really want to get this bike running! It wont start right now, but it try to, which is more than it was doing before. Still though it makes a very loud knocking noise when it try to start.  I would greatly appreciate any info you all have.  

I guess I should also add that when we bought it I took it for a test ride, and it was fine. It rode well for about two weeks before all this started.

your 1st problem could've been carb related/fuel issue/petcock problems or just simply too low of an idle speed.
-did he replace the petcock?

Knocking sound can be several issues, but most important did he check the cam chain?

Ok, you said broken tooth... the sad story continues.  Pre 95 engines are prone to tooth breakage, and even worse the bosses and mounts for the starter can be busted out.  This was fixed in later bikes with a torque limiter.  There's an upgrade... see the tech section for "starter gear upgrade".

And a fuel filter shouldn't be necessary if the petcock filters are in place.  In general small sh!t doesn't bother the carb unless the bike gets turned over, it just sits in the bottom of the bowl.  Larger crap does, but the petcock filters will handle it.

thanks for all the feed back. Im looking forward to diving into this this weekend . I will post here with more questions as they come up.

First off I wanted to thank you all for your help, suggestions, and guidance on this issue. I feel hopefull about this bike again. Per the suggestions given, I have drained the oil and taken a look at the tensioner. It measured at 18 mm right now. I have not gone further than that, as I have a couple more questions. Is this a time to replace this piece? Can it be adjusted to a tighter fit? Should I dive further in and remove the chain and measure and/or replace that? Not sure of the next step. Would love some more advise. thanks!

If you need to replace the petcock, use Yamaha part number 5LP 24500-01-00. Don't buy a cheaper Chinese version of this. They are less than $30, and mine has worked for 5 yrs without a problem. Keep on fiddling with your bike. This forum has a wealth of knowledge to get it going. Boofer