I got a call from a local Savage owner who wanted some repairs done.  The bike had been sitting outside for a couple of years and needed repairs to get it going again.  The battery needed replacement, the fuel tank was better than I suspected but it had a little rust and a lot of stinky fuel, the carb would need cleaning.......and the engine was coated in oil from a head plug leak.  It also would need tires - but we agreed to get it running first.  The owner is not mechanically inclined and bought the bike used - they had it to a Honda dealer once to get some "tuneup" work done.  As I pushed the bike to the trailer I heard the belt making some noise that wasn't normal - it sounded like the belt teeth were rubbing on something.

The first thing the bike got was a bath to clean off the dirt and oil, then it got a thorough "blow dry" and was pushed into the sun to dry.

I started on the carb cleaning......it had pretty typical gunk in the float bowl.

As the carb parts were in the ultrasonic cleaner - I started on the work to replace the leaky head plug.

As I removed the breather hose.....I saw this steel wool sticking out of the breather pipe.

For those member who don't know what the oil screen looks like - here is what the "proper" factory screen looks like.  (I had a used one and put in in the proper place for the photo - this is before the head cover was cleaned up).

Another sealant shot.

All cleaned up with a new "Verslagen" head plug installed.

I put on a good used pulley that fit much better on the splined shaft.

The battery is installed and everything but the fuel tank and seat are back on the bike.

The remaining work to be done is cleaning the fuel tank and petcock, installing new fuel line, and firing up the bike and adjusting the idle air/fuel screw.  After the engine is fired up and running - then an oil and filter change.

Once the bike is running and proven to be worthy - it will get new tires and the front brake fluid will be changed.

Thumbs up Dave.