anyone from hampton roads that has max 2 mechanical knowledge?

[6x6addict]

over the weekend, i got the truck stuck in some slick mud hidden by grass and was so desperate to break it loose, i made the mistake of hooking up the max to the trailer hitch. this worked like a charm and was able to drive home but now, only the left side wheels on the max will turn forward and reverse. when attempting to turn right in forward or reverse, all i get is a revving engine and no movement. this was great for driving in circles but made it extremely tricky to load back on the trailer! i am not very mechanically inclined but can do the basics.
i figured i would check if anyone might be interested in a side gig fixing my max 2 before i have to drive 3.5 hours to the closest dealer! (which i am very tempted to do!) the max is located in virginia beach but i would be more than willing to take it anywhere that might be a closer drive. would also love to watch in an effort to learn more about troubleshooting / repairs if possible. anyone from the area that might be able to lend a hand?

[jpswift1]

It sounds like you might have snapped a band or two. There are lots of "how to" articles on the T-20 transmission. It may seem difficult, but it's actually not too bad. I'd say, take it out and give it a try rebuilding it.

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/content/section/231-transmissions-rebuild-how.html

[6x6addict]

i will check out the how to articles and attempt this myself! 1 more question. keeping in mind that i do computer work and dont really know what i am looking for mechanically speaking, on a 1997 max 2, are there other components i should be paying attention to that are known to wear down after 16 years of use? i just thought i might as well replace anything else that might be needed while i have the t-20 torn down. thanks again!

[jpswift1]

Get new O rings for the plungers and case gaskets. The thrust washers might need to be replaced, but if there isn't that much time on the machine you'll be fine. You can get those parts directly from Recreatives. Amphibious Six-Wheel Drive All-Terrain Vehicles: MaxATVs - Call 1-800-255-2511

[Mike]

Before you dig into the transmission try following the linkage from the shifter back to the T20 and make sure it is all in tact. If it is, pull out the diamond shifter (typically two bolts and it is out) and check for a broken/sheared pin. If this is the issue, it can be fixed without removing the transmission. There is more information on this if needed via a search here on the site. Here are a couple of threads:

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/transmissions/22381-unable-shift-t20.html

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/transmissions/11802-diamond-shifter-pin.html

[ARGOJIM]

Had that problem once when the keeper plates on top bent and allowed the diamond shifter to rise out of the shift dog.

[6x6addict]

yep, the little tab on the bottom of the diamond shifter is broken off. will it hurt anything to leave the broken piece in the transmission and simply replace the entire shifter, or would it be wise to go ahead and crack the whole thing open to remove the tab?


also, i noticed this play in some kind of gear attached to one of the chains when i was checking out the diamond shifter. is this normal or something that needs to be addressed?

[amphibious drew]

If you can get the nubbin out of the shifter, thats the only part you would have to replace. I have friends that have left pins in the case ends and never worried about it. You could always turn it upside down and shake it around till it fell out if you wanted too, but I doubt it will ever cause any harm if left in there.

[jpswift1]

You lucked out! Only a diamond shifter pin.......very cool! I've picked up machines before that sellers told me the transmission was bad. 5 minutes later after popping the diamond shifter out and putting a new pin in, I was out driving around.

I'm the kind of guy that loves when it's easy without having to put much effort forth.

[Mike]

Your video is private so we can't check out the play in the output shaft.

[6x6addict]

woops, my first time posting a video! should be public now, thank you!

[Mike]

That's nothing to be worried about. The jackshaft is not held tightly in place.

[6x6addict]

got the new diamond shifter and bingo, i am able to go straight with all of the wheels turning!!!
another question for the mechanically inclined out there. the battery tested good at my local auto parts store. after attempting to start the engine with the key, all i get is a few clicks and then i get silence. not sure if this is related but when the electric start was working the last time i took the max out, i could not turn off the engine using the key. the only thing i could come up with was to choke the engine until it sputtered out. i could electric start all day long with the key but when the key was completely removed, it stayed running until i choked it out. could this be a faulty ignition key switch that needs replacing?
when i take a 10 gauge cable, connect one end to the positive of the battery and touch the other end directly to the starter, i get nothing. are there any other troubleshooting steps i can perform before removing the starter and having it tested? thanks again for all the knowledge!!!