Max II Chain Adjusters

[Eldon]

I have been chasing a phantom chain noise. I think it is the right front adjuster. I don't believe the teflon is worn to the rivets but it sounds like it. My tires were worn to different sizes so I blamed the noise on chain windup from significant different tire circumferences,so I put new tires on it,still have a noise though not as bad. I'm thinking of getting new chain adjusters complete from Recreatives. Anyone know what a complete adjuster is worth?

[ARGOJIM]

If the slides are worn deep you'll still get some binding.

[Eldon]

Thanks Jim. I am virtually certain that is where I am.

[Tomo]

hi ,
I have found the tensioners for a max to be sensitive to install eg vertical position and side to side .
Explanation - if the chain does not have good vertical / horizontal alignment the chain can hit the tensioner and then release the mechanism . The chain tensioner can be nearly be new when this occurs also .
To add to this it releases for no particular reason as well . I have replace 3x in 18 months .
Another point is due to the tensioner being spring loaded vibration from machine and chain whip can cause this issue .
Install chains running parallel as possible and always keep chain tensioned up this all helps the tensioner .
Finally some people do have great sucess with these .!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I changed to roller tensioners .

tomo

[Eldon]

I have spent several hours now on this dilemma. I think you are right Tomo. I tried yesterday with a stethoscope (they rarely are conclusive with a vibrating machine) and was able to conclusively determine it is the right side front. I changed to new 520 master links in the chain fearing I may have had one that was not quite right. I installed new tires to help eliminate chain wind up from mismatched diameters/circumferences. At very low speeds there is no noise. Then with a good flashlight watching I increased speed,got the noise and definitely saw that the chain was fouling no where touching only the sprockets and tensioner. I noted exactly as you indicate that the tensioner at speed was slightly out of parallel with the frame. The teflon is worn about 1/8" deep only as it is on the left side. It is a perplexing problem as my Max prior to this and unlike some makes/models was absolutely silent operating in the area of chains/sprockets. Bottom line you are absolutely correct on the need for tensioner alignment and I believe that a new tensioner assembly will cure it but I hear they are quite expensive.Further confusing me is I can jack up the machine and run it full throttle with absolutely no chain noise,this is where I got the idea the tires were out of matching circumferences affecting it when turning on the ground. I appreciate your advice Tomo.

[SWAMP HAWG]

I switched both of my max II machines over over to the roller style tensioner from Richards relics. Couldn't be happier

[ARGOJIM]

Did i read this right, teflon is only wore on the inside? Is it possible the adjuster is bent from let's say adjusting it with a foot instead of a hand making it 100-120 deg. instead of 90 deg.?

[Eldon]

No Jim, I meant both sides are worn the same about 1/8", far from the rivet heads. I think now adjuster alignment is incorrect though for the life of me I can't understand how the placement of the adjuster would move. I run tracks all winter with no chains driving the front axle to reduce chain wind up. It was when I went back to wheels this spring the noise started when I re-installed the chains.

[Rottsrool]

How much are the roller style?