Posted by Frank on September 03, 1999 at 23:28:48:
In Reply to: Valve Tap/ Noise posted by David Alcott on September 03, 1999 at 19:44:49:
David, the Savage seems to make many different noises. A mechanic once told me not to get paranoid about every little noise you hear on the Savage. He says that thumpers have always been noisy. I have adjusted the valves three times in almost 40,000 miles. The last time they didn't even need adjusting. Unless you really pick up a strange (noticeable without straining your ears) sound, I would'nt be overly concerned. If you valves do need adjusting, changing oil will not re-align them. They must be lossened and re-adjusted mechanicaly. Hogryder is right though, a good motorcycle oil (I use synthetic blend) will go a long way in keeping the valves from wearing as fast, therfore less adjustments.