1985 MAX IV - New (To me that is) and Engine Swap

[amphibious drew]

I think what Jay was referring to is having to actually pull the engine, engine mount, and T-20 just to get to the driven clutch. Yeas it is a process but it can be done in a day.

A day, come on now. How many beer breaks are you taking. I pulled a t-20 out of my Max IV and put a different one in at Ashtabula this fall, and did so in a few hours at most. I really don't know what Jay was complaining about. Maybe he just meant that he would not do it because he has a lack of desire to turn a wrench.

[Noel Woods]

I'm a big fan of the red spring, there is probably no other mod that gives you so much bang for the buck in a t20 equipped machine. No need for a big engine either. The Hustler 980 I had performed great with 18 hp in a relatively large machine. No lack of power at all. The Max4 I have with a 20 hp Kohler performs great too and turns a set of ASX tires like no bodies business.

[762x51]

<snip> I really don't know what Jay was complaining about.<snip>

Come on guys - Jay wasn't complaining he was simply saying that depending on your use or need, the red spring may or may not be necessary.

I think what Jay was referring to is having to actually pull the engine, engine mount, and T-20 just to get to the driven clutch. <snip>

Jay did review with me what needed to be done to replace the spring and he also cautioned me to be careful when removing it because of the spring pressure. Like he suggested, at this time I probably will leave the green spring in place to see if the machine performs OK for my needs. If not, then the red spring is always an option.

Caution: Subject change.....

Since the Rawhides are out of production what has proven to be a decent replacement? I have 26x12x12's that are probably the originals (1985) so you can imagine their condition. Probably OK for running around locally but I wouldn't want to go far afield on them.

[jpswift1]

There are quite a few 26" tire options out there for you in the 26x12x12 size. The Super Swamper Vampire, the Maxxis Mud Bug, and the GBC Gator, which is almost exactly like the Mud Bug, the Kenda Executioner, Carlisle Power Trac, etc etc. I guess it all depends on what you're looking to do with it.

[blown84gt]

Hey Orin, is it running yet?

[762x51]

Hey Orin, is it running yet?

Not yet - Been too cold and the wife has had my honey-do list full for the last week or so.
Got everything needed to finish and I just need to find time to work on it.

[Bavaria]

Your chains need mutch love. Put it in boiled water with citric acid. After that do it in boiled Oil. That will help to wash the rust out of it. But just when the are no O-Ring ore X-Ring.

[chrisivins]

I'm so glad I stumbled across this thread.. I also have a 1985 max IV but mine has a Kawasaki ta 440 a. I just bought a 18hp Briggs to stick in there and I hope it's as easy to do as yours..

[762x51]

Hi Guys....

Sorry for the very long delay getting back to this thread but I had to have a major surgery and that had put the MAX IV project on the back burner.
My doctor has placed restrictions on what I can lift (25 lbs) until the end of May so I have to wait until a friend or my son can come by to lend a hand.

In the past few weeks we were able to get the engine aligned and operational and then we found the transmission (right side) is dead. Only the left side responds to control inputs.
Haven't been able to get back to the project since discovering that and we'll be pulling the engine and then the transmission so we can find out what the problem is.

Regards,
Orin

[jpswift1]

Orin,

Glad to hear that you're OK first of all. Take it easy for a bit and when you get back into the swing of things, we'll be able to help you diagnose the issue with the transmission. The T-20 is acutally pretty simple and there are lots of how-to articles here on the site to help you along as well as many, many helpful members here to make the process easier for you.

[762x51]

Orin,

Glad to hear that you're OK first of all.

Thanks!!
Abdominal Aortic Aneurism was nothing to ignore but all is better now - just have to wait for abdominal muscles to heal.
Not being able to "play" is about to drive me nuts!! :>)

I think my son is going to come over sometime this week and he is going to pull the engine and mount so we can get to the T-20.
As you know, the MAX IV transmission is really difficult to get to and I hope once it's out we'll find that repairs can be made.
I spoke to Richard and he gave me some tips on what to look for.