Attex questions

[kat266]

I have a 1974 Attex with a 440 JLO and a T-20 trans. I finally have it running pretty good. When sterring left or right should I have to move the sticks all the way in either direction to get it to turn or just a little ways. I have had to adjust the rods longer that connect the transmission to get the plungers to move in and out all the way. Now I can hear them making the clicking noise like they are engaging. Is this correct because I have two sets and they were the same length and I have had to adjust them out longer. I adjusted the bands according to the what I have seen here on the board. I have to rev the engine up alot to get it to turn but It seems to be too much. I dont know how easy it should be to steer one of these machines. Does anyone have a manual with this info? I cannot find a video to see how these machines actually work. I had to pull the slide out of the carb now it will not go all the way down in the carb. When I push down on the cable it comes out the bottom of the slide its not locking down and the slide is not even touching the idle adjustment screw. where is the best place to get a new throttle cable and a throttle lever because both are not in good shape?

Thanks for any help !!

[hydromike]

Hey Kat,

You say that you've already adjusted your bands, but your symptoms really seem characteristic of bands that need adjustment. Have you tried screwing in your upper and lower plunger bolts a turn (turn and a half? Two?). After that, adjust your laterals to sit at a comfortable position. A well-adjusted 440 in an Attex should take a light blip of the throttle while pulling back lightly on a stick to spin you around 180 degrees.

As for your throttle issues, it almost sounds like you have a bent metering needle. If the throttle slide doesn't slide back into it's static position by itself, but will go down if you press it, it's either a gummed up throttle cable, a bent needle, or aliens. I've upgraded a few machines with the throttle cables from Recreatives Industries (RI... They build the Max). Their throttle cables and throttle handles are pretty decent. The cable lengths come in several different stock lengths for the Max machines, so just figure out what length you need, and they should be able to help you out. There are lots of other places that offer throttle cables, too. RI is nearby for me, so it's my go-to....

Good luck! Let us know how you make out with the adjustment, if you can....

[racerone3]

If adjusting the bands doesn't have it turning on a dime, you probably need to get the bands relined. But first (if you haven't already) do a fluid change. Someone might have put gear oil in there instead of ATF. Gear oil is much more slippery and will not allow the bands to grab as they should. Also, gear oil can break down the linings on the bands, or the glue that binds them. My Wild Wolf trans was full to the top plug gear oil when I got it, and had been sitting that way for 15 years. I did 4-5 fluid changes in rapid succession (about 10 min run time between), till the fluid coming out was the same shade of red it was going in. It worked fine for a year till I tore it down, and the bands looked great when I finally tore into it.... I wouldn't recommend being that reckless, and feel like I dodged a bullet on that one.

For your throttle, I had an issue with a Mikuini (also in the Wolf) before I swore off 2 strokes, where some varnish on the slide and in the bore was keeping the slide from going all the way down. You might try pulling the carb back off and giving it a healthy dousing with carb cleaner, then hit the slide with a light oil.

[mustangwagz]

Kat,

From your post you seem to be rather mechanically inclined, so please do not take offense to the question I'm about to ask by any means. When you say slide is not going the whole way down in..are you sure its facing the proper direction? it will only go in ONE way. Just wanted to throw that out there real quick. Also you said that the end of the cable doesn't want to stay in the slide..you did re-install the SPRING between the lid, and slide right? I was also wandering if you had the entire carb apart? maybe got something stuck in the main jet/orphis tube? Highly unlikely, however i HAVE seen it happen..

[kat266]

Yes I forgot to mention my father and I took the trans apart to check it. The brake bands were at the service limit. I bought bands and seal kit from Richards Relics and the band adjusting tools. The bearings were good. I used the inches torque wrench to adjust with a mechanic friends help. I put the ATF along with the GM additive that Richard told me to use. It steers pretty good once you are moving and too good at fast speeds it is too sensitve then. I will try turning the bolts in a half turn each also. The carb I took the slide out once before and the same thing happened. So Richard told me to leave off one of the jam nuts. It worked and I oiled the slide too but the throttle vibrated and opened my throttle big time. I guess the cable is bad. I will order a new one. I could not have done all this so far without everybodys help so I really appreciate everybodys time here. Should a 440 spin the tires if it is running right. I have not tried but it is pretty fast. It goes faster than I need it too without a roll cage.

[kat266]

I also did install the spring like u said on the carb so it should work. I never have taken the carb apart or off the engine. I was trying not to mess anything up plus it ran real good. I never was able to drive the Attex because the pluggers in the trans were frozen this is why we took it apart to check it.

[Model Citizen]

It steers pretty good once you are moving and too good at fast speeds it is too sensitve then.

The faster you go, the easier it is to steer the T-20. It's a beautiful thing once you get use to it.

Bridget

[kat266]

Also how far should you have to move the sticks in order to move side to side? This will help me in the fine tuning of the bands. I have no idea how it should be. I have never even driven a skid steer machine.

[Model Citizen]

Also how far should you have to move the sticks in order to move side to side? This will help me in the fine tuning of the bands. I have no idea how it should be. I have never even driven a skid steer machine.

Just make sure your throw is equal. Your rebuild is probably perfectly fine. How far to move the sticks depends on how fast you're going. If you're going fast, you should barely have to touch one of the laterals to make it go side to side. When you're driving slow you need to pull a stick back farther to make things happen while giving it gas. There's a learning curve, but the more you ride, the more you'll realize how the darn thing works.

Bridget

[kat266]

Yes you were right. The little clip on the needle that you move up or down to make it rich or lean was bent just a little bit. I swaped it out and the slide seated down correctly. I also found I had a cylinder head warped and it was back firing between the head and cylinder. I had a friend mill the head slightly and the gasket was still good. It runs a whole lot better.

[kat266]

Hey I tightened the plugger bolts in one turn each and it is turning alot better. I may turn them another half turn. I also put the throttle cable on and it also made a big difference. The old cable was not the right one apparently because I was not able to get full throttle. The engine turns alot more RPM's and revs alot faster. The other cable was rusty and would not retract very fast. Hey, so I am getting closer to getting the Attex finished.

Thanks again for all the help !!

[jpswift1]

Glad to hear. Keep making fine adjustments to the T-20 and you'll be very happy that you did. Also, on the throttle cable, shoot some cable lube in it to keep it smooth, free moving, and also to keep it from freezing when moisture gets in there.

[kat266]

I will take care of that throttle cable too !

Thanks