Just got a complete gasket kit from partzilla.
Question.
Do the head gasket, and side cover gaskets require sealer before I install.?
Also suggestions for cam cover sealer..

3M , 3Bond , gray
eBay
Amazon
Bla
Bla
Blah
For cam cover , just a little
Gaskets DRY

Dave I think 3M 3Bond comes in black too. Not totally sure but most OEM sealants Yamabond , Hondabond , Suzukibond , Kawagoo are all made by 3M. Same as all the Japanese automaker’s too. I’ll check it out see if I can find some part numbers. When I worked on Mitsubishi trucks the 3Bond came in caulking tubes , think it was over $100 a tube.

haggis57 wrote on 03/10/21 at 20:11:59:


I do put a small dab of sealer around the rubber grommet on the neutral wire on the right side cover.....and also on the wiring on the left side cover.  Originally it did not have any - but as the years go on the rubber gets stiff and shrinks a bit.  Clean all the oil off first, then apply a very small amount of sealer on the sealing surface of the grommet.

justin_o_guy2 wrote on 03/12/21 at 20:33:58:



One of the things to consider about these bikes - is that as the years pass the rubber and plastic parts start to deteriorate.  This is especially true of the rubber parts that are subject to the engine heat.  It has been necessary for me to replace the carb spigot boot, carb/air cleaner tube, TEV valve diaphragm and Fuel Enrichment Valve on the 2002 bike I had.....the original parts were just too stiff to be used for too many more years.  Fuel petcock diaphragms and fuel line might need to be replaced frequently.....depending on the fuel sold in your areas.

So......it may be desirable for you to begin replacing the rubber parts when you are working on your bike.  

For those members who know they are going to keep their motorcycle for a long time - it really would be a good idea to stock up a few Savage parts that will deteriorate over time for replacement as needed.  Carb spigots, air cleaner tube, TEV valve, Fuel Enrichment Valve, front pulley O-ring, Clutch shaft O-ring......and the many little sealing washers that go on the engine bolts - and perhaps a complete gasket set or two.  Now that the Savage is out of production the OEM parts supply will slowly start to dwindle.  There will never be an aftermarket parts supply network developed for the Savage like there is for vintage Honda, Triumph, Harley or Norton motorcycles - the Savage just won't support that kind of industry.