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Saturday I picked up a 1997 Max IV. I think I got a pretty good deal ($800), but I need some tech help to dial this thing in. Overall it looks to be in pretty good shape, I just need help fine tuning the engine. The engine is a Vanguard 16hp V-twin.
The engine runs ok, but I feel it needs to run a lot better. Once I get it started the motor revs up and down from the governor trying to adjust itself. I have discontected the governor for the time being, and for adjustment purposes. I'm not sure why a vehicle that has an active throttle would need a governor? I get its purpose on a tractor or snow blower where the throttle isn't always being adjusted and the governor helps adjust, but I don't understand on this. Can I leave the governor un-hooked?
I have pulled the carb and cleaned it. It startes relatively easy, but I don't think its adjusted correctly. When watching the carb while its running it will spit quite a bit of gas out the top (where the air cleaner should be) while in transition from idle to full throttle; is this normal? I guess I have never watched a carb on a small engine before with the air filter off. It also seems to run much better under a little bit of choke. This tells me that I need more fuel; but again under full throttle ,or in transition, it seems to have plenty of fuel (because its spitting it into the air). I have replaced all the fuel lines just incase any of them were dry rotted or anything like that.
Also, there is a needle valve on the side of it that can be adjusted with my fingers; what should this be set at from the factory? Are there any other adjustments I can make other then rejetting if thats the issue?
What are the compression specs for this engine? Cold, I have around 90 psi in each cylinder which seems pretty low. I'm not really looking to rebuild this engine, but I would atleast like to have the carb working correctly.
Next issue (or question). Are these things naturally jerky? Driving this thing on pavement or in my yard seems very harsh on the transmission. It doesn't seem as if there is any slight turning, or mild turning. To turn would pull the lever back slowly until is would lock up one side, to make up the turn. Is this how these operate?
I have never operated, rode in, or have known anybody who has had one of these, so my knowlege of how they operate is slim to none. So please feel free to educate me on the operation, things I should watch for, etc... The first thing I did to was lubricate all moving parts including the chains and sprockets. Also, what should the top speed be on these things? when I was cruising down the street I feel I was going around 15 mph or so.
Thanks in advance for any help, I greatly appreciate it.
-Bryan
The engine runs ok, but I feel it needs to run a lot better. Once I get it started the motor revs up and down from the governor trying to adjust itself. I have discontected the governor for the time being, and for adjustment purposes. I'm not sure why a vehicle that has an active throttle would need a governor? I get its purpose on a tractor or snow blower where the throttle isn't always being adjusted and the governor helps adjust, but I don't understand on this. Can I leave the governor un-hooked?
I have pulled the carb and cleaned it. It startes relatively easy, but I don't think its adjusted correctly. When watching the carb while its running it will spit quite a bit of gas out the top (where the air cleaner should be) while in transition from idle to full throttle; is this normal? I guess I have never watched a carb on a small engine before with the air filter off. It also seems to run much better under a little bit of choke. This tells me that I need more fuel; but again under full throttle ,or in transition, it seems to have plenty of fuel (because its spitting it into the air). I have replaced all the fuel lines just incase any of them were dry rotted or anything like that.
Also, there is a needle valve on the side of it that can be adjusted with my fingers; what should this be set at from the factory? Are there any other adjustments I can make other then rejetting if thats the issue?
What are the compression specs for this engine? Cold, I have around 90 psi in each cylinder which seems pretty low. I'm not really looking to rebuild this engine, but I would atleast like to have the carb working correctly.
Next issue (or question). Are these things naturally jerky? Driving this thing on pavement or in my yard seems very harsh on the transmission. It doesn't seem as if there is any slight turning, or mild turning. To turn would pull the lever back slowly until is would lock up one side, to make up the turn. Is this how these operate?
I have never operated, rode in, or have known anybody who has had one of these, so my knowlege of how they operate is slim to none. So please feel free to educate me on the operation, things I should watch for, etc... The first thing I did to was lubricate all moving parts including the chains and sprockets. Also, what should the top speed be on these things? when I was cruising down the street I feel I was going around 15 mph or so.
Thanks in advance for any help, I greatly appreciate it.
-Bryan
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