Sluggish Maxll

[Dbryant]

I have a max ll with the 14 hp Briggs. It has a skid steer trans. I realize it was no speed demon when it was new, however, I think I could do better. Motor runs good. Seems like the motor is constantly loaded and doesn't seem to want to shift down when I try to climb a levee etc.... Where should I start to find out what's holding me back. I put all new bearings on the axles. What exactly takes place when bands Start failing? If a belt is worn out what does it do?? Thanks for any advice!

[amphibious drew]

A worn belt will sit lower on the secondary clutch causing your low end to suffer and when the primary engages completely it may not rise to the top causing your high end to suffer as well. When the bands wear they are less grabby on the drums. I would guess a new belt, adjusting your throttle cable, and switching your secondary clutch spring out to a red spring will give you the results you desire. The red spring will keep you in lower gearing longer and downshift faster.

[jpswift1]

It sounds to me that your belt is too loose, worn (like Drew said) or possibly there's an issue with the plastic sliders on your driven clutch. It's most likely a loose or worn belt though, as this is the most common issue with the symptoms you describe. The 14 and 16HP Vanguards move a Max II quite well......they're the same engines (480cc displacement) with just a different carburetor. Get a 16HP carburetor and remover the "restrictor rings" with some pliers (one in each exhaust port of the head behind the exhaust manifold, and a very easy job to do) on your 14HP, then you'll have two extra HP cheap. Also, like Drew said, get the red driven clutch spring and it'll make that 14HP really climb......combine that with the 16HP carb upgrade and you'll have an extremely capable machine.

[Dbryant]

Fixed

Thanks for the information. It was extremely helpful. A new belt made all the difference in the world. I use this machine eveyday on the farm. It is so handy for hunting and working. Especially when everything is " turn key" working order. Thanks again for the help.

[MikeyM]

It sounds to me that your belt is too loose, worn (like Drew said) or possibly there's an issue with the plastic sliders on your driven clutch. It's most likely a loose or worn belt though, as this is the most common issue with the symptoms you describe. The 14 and 16HP Vanguards move a Max II quite well......they're the same engines (480cc displacement) with just a different carburetor. Get a 16HP carburetor and remover the "restrictor rings" with some pliers (one in each exhaust port of the head behind the exhaust manifold, and a very easy job to do) on your 14HP, then you'll have two extra HP cheap. Also, like Drew said, get the red driven clutch spring and it'll make that 14HP really climb......combine that with the 16HP carb upgrade and you'll have an extremely capable machine.

Sorry to pop in on the thread, but what are these restrictor rings your talking about? I also have a 14hp vanguard, which I put a 16hp carb on. Carb seemed to wake it up, but I was unaware of a restricter ring. Does anyone have a pic of what Im looking for?

[hydromike]

Sorry to pop in on the thread, but what are these restrictor rings your talking about?

Here's a thread talking about the restrictor rings....

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/engines/26083-briggs-vanguard-14-16hp-18-20hp-engine-upgrades-identification.html

[MikeyM]

Great thank you!