Posted by David K on August 04, 2003 at 19:20:00:
Frank said: I have driven 84,000 miles on my Savage "STILL GOING."
He also said:
-- "I also suspect (my opinion only not based on fact) that the oil pump sits a little high in the crankcase." "If the oil gets below a certain point the head gets starved." "I came to this conclusion while the right hand crankcase cover was removed replacing the cam chain tensioner adjuster." "I saw where the pump was located and remember thinking that it was a little higher than I thought."
I have to disagree with Frank's assessment on the oil pump's ability to pump from the bottom of the crank case. Actually the oil pump has a long stem going to the pump filter in the "SUMP" of the crank case.
I remember Frank telling me that he uses "MAXIMUM" 20/50 Synthetic Blend Motorcycle Oil.
It just so happens that the OCT, 2003, page 66, issue of SPORT RIDER magazine has a great Lab. test results on OILS (OILS part 2 LAB. TEST). The test shows "MAXIUM" motorcycle oil (stuff Frank uses) to have twice the ANTIWEAR additives as "Castrol R4." The "MAXIUM" has more ZINC and PHOSPHORUS than any other oil, by a considerable margin! It even has a higher concentration of Moly. (somewhat questionable to the possible slippage of wet clutches).
I think that Franks exceptional mileage has a lot to do with his style of driving, but also that he hit upon a very likely HIGH MILEAGE BRAND of oil.