engine swap ideas ?

[jeepfxr]

I have an older Maxx IV with a 20 HP Kohler engine that is starting to smoke a lot. I'm thinking about swapping it out for a different engine. Any ideas on what engine would work with the least amount of other alterations would be a big help. Thanks

[fmints]

I have an older Maxx IV with a 20 HP Kohler engine that is starting to smoke a lot. I'm thinking about swapping it out for a different engine. Any ideas on what engine would work with the least amount of other alterations would be a big help. Thanks

Sounds like piston rings are going bad,,, too easy to fix,,,, bout $400 will get you new rings, seals, coils, freshened heads, if not less.

But if you really need a new engine, the 23hp Kohler V-Twin is fantastic in a Max IV, or a 23hp Briggs Vanguard V-Twin. Lucky for you, you have a Max IV, engine posibilities are endless because of where the engine sits. So any engine almost will be an easy swap. You know that you can get a 27 and 29 hp liquid colded Kawasaki for your Max (which came stock in some of the later models).

[jeepfxr]

Thanks for the reply, I'll probably just rebuild what I have and so I may as well rebuild the T-20 at the same time. Merry Christmas to all !

[Noel Woods]

Thanks for the reply, I'll probably just rebuild what I have and so I may as well rebuild the T-20 at the same time. Merry Christmas to all !

Thats what I recommend as well. A 20 horse Kohler is a great little engine, good hp and torque, parts are available. They run really well and perform great and seldom get hot even in thick mud. I've got the same package in a Max4 and I couldn't be happier. The Briggs would be a good engine as well, especially in a Max 4 where it can get good cooling. I've got this engine in an Argo and its got plenty of power however because the engine sits low in the machine, it gets really hot in the engine bay and will sometimes evaporate the fuel before compression, which makes for a loss of power.
Most Kohlers also have hydraulic valve adjustment (which works automatically) versus the Briggs that you will have to adjust from time to time. In the Argo, this is not an easy task because of the lack of room and access. The same engine in a Max4 would be no problem at all to get to.

[jeepfxr]

Thanks for the reply Noel, I'll tear into it pretty soon. I think I'llupgrade the tires also since flats are a constant problem with the old tires. Have a great Christmas !