Requesting some tips for purchasing used MAX II

[Gilby]

Greetings everyone,

I've been reading up the best I can on the forum here trying to get an idea of what I should look for when going out to make my first AATV purchase.

I found a 1989 MAX II for sale, it has a 16hp Tecumseh with no spark, it ran last year and cosmetically it looks to be in great shape on the outside.



Here is a list of the questions I have, hoping some answers will have me better prepared for when I go look at it this weekend.

1. Transmission: I know this is an expensive thing to fix, is there any way I can test this while its not running?

2. 16HP Tecumseh Motor: I'm assuming it could be as simple as getting a used coil off ebay. Is there carb kits available for these (aftermarket)? If i wanted to replace it with a vanguard, would it be a clean swap? or will it be something that I'd need to fabricate in there.


3. Belly of the beast: I have yet to see a picture with the top body off, what should i look for with the axels? If things have a nice coat of rust, would that mean a possible leak?

Any other tips would be greatly appreciated, I'll continue combing the forums in the meantime.

Thanks!

Gilby

[amphibious drew]

1. Turn the clutch by hand with pressure on the sticks to make sure the wheels turn both forward and reverse. It helps to have it on jacks. This way you can check the wheels for play to indicate worn bearings or elongated pin holes.

2. The oh160 to small block twin Briggs vanguard is a simple swap and a better idea than purchasing that pricey coil.

3. See "1," as well as check for cracks in the frame and tub. A rusty frame could indicate a solid body because its holding rain water but if the frame is junk you are sol. USE THE ATV BUYERS GUIDE FROM THE HOME PAGE. This will be your biggest help.

[Gilby]

Excellent, thanks for the feedback!

[jpswift1]

Drew is absolutely right. I'd part the Tecumseh out on ebay to offset the cost of the Briggs. Those Tecumseh parts go for a good dollar. Then swap that Vanguard in. It'll be a pretty simple engine swap. You can use the same driven clutch on the engine too since it's for a 1" shaft. There are tons of transmission articles on here in the "How To" section of the site to help you so you can see how it works inside if you're interested. And here's the used AATV buyer's guide:

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/gener...ers-guide.html

I think I remember seeing this machine on ebay or Craigslist a couple weeks ago. Is this the one?

[Gilby]

Most likely was, its in Minnesota. Submitted a wanted post for a project AATV and it was one of the responses I received.

Did not even think about Parting out the Tecumseh, that's a brilliant idea... Looking on eBay those parts net a pretty penny.

I put a 16hp Duramax honda clone in a Club Car golf cart last year as a summer project which required a ton of fab work, from the looks of the insides on a MAX, it shouldn't be too bad for doing a little restoration + engine swap.

Definitely got the itch to tinker now!

[Gilby]

The deal fell through, but another opportunity has opened up. Its a 94 Max II, the gentlemen has stated that he redid the sprockets and chains, not sure on the bearings. But from the sounds of things it was well maintained. It has a B&S but I did not get the HP on it. Newer tires and comes with the winch and front rack. Going to look at it tomorrow night.

[jpswift1]

Just keep in mind that those tires won't swim, so if you plan on using it in the water you won't really go anywhere. How much is he looking to get for it?

I have a lead on a very nice, very low hours 1996 Max II with a 16HP Vanguard, turn key ready to go. Let me know if you're interested.

[Gilby]

I own 120 acres which encompasses the shoreline around two small lakes, so yes we will be in the water. I have a 35 lb thrust Minn Kota trolling motor with remote steering I plan on hooking up via a mount on the trailer hitch. Have a spare battery on a barrel switch to go back and forth for charging. Most we use our canoe's for is getting across the lake to get to Duck Blinds.

There is just no deals in my area and this is the cheapest thing we can find on Craigslist. I'm sure you can probably snag a good deal on the '96 than what I am looking at for this '94, but then the issue would be getting to Minnesota.

Going to look at it this afternoon. If I end up getting it, i'll be sure to give a better review with pictures.

[Eldon]

If you need swimming tires only buy one that has them already on as they are not cheap.When I go to buy something used I have developed a system that works pretty well for me. That is: Find out by cruising the forum how the Max is supposed to work, then when you find one that has all the options you need, look the seller over as close as you do the machine. If he has a pristine property,vehicles all shined up etc. , the kind of guy that everything has to be just right the odds are so is his machine. One more thing, cheapest is never best as repairs and the perpetual list of things needing done and parts are not cheap. In short,buy the best machine your budget can stand. The outboard motor in water is great for while in the water but you have to raise the motor to get ashore, swimming tires only if you want to use it in the water.