MAX II engine

[swfleur]

I just picked up a max II red with a monster kawasaki 436 (440)
The engine has 4 plugs but looks like only 2 cylinders .? Does anyone know if these are ok. The t20 was missing but I have another t20 I will be putting in it. Any thing I should watch out for on the t20 match up ?
What year would this make my red max? The upper half is beat up but I couldn't just let the old red max just die out in the bushes of Maine
Wondering if this Kawasaki engine was original. It looks like it is original. Anyone know what the up is or why they have 4 plugs ? I was hoping for a nice old 18 hp Tecumseh but. Oh well.
I also picked up a super swamp fox with a big Briggs engine ( anyone know if that is original engine? It also had the t20 but I don't know if it works (hope so )
Paid more than I wanted too and had to trade a 4 small wheeler but oh well, I needed a good winter project. I will offer up the swamp fox but she is rough and I'm probably gonna keep the tires off it because they are not correct. The tires on the swamp fox aresmaller and will fit my max 2 better. I'm not up to speed on the super swamp but I can tell you this one need fiber glass repair

[ARGOJIM]

What no Swift history lesson?

[Adondo]

Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_440

You must have the aircraft version, as those are almost always dual plugged. The Wiki also says they're gear reduction for running a prop, although that should work in a Max as 5k RPM might be pretty fast for the clutch. Someone has no doubt swapped it in to replace the OEM engine.

Paste:
General characteristics

Type: twin-cylinder, two-stroke engine
Displacement: 436 cc (26.61 cu inches)
Dry weight: 49 lb (22 kg)

Components

Valvetrain: piston ported
Fuel system: Mikuni 34 mm slide-type carburetor
Oil system: premixed oil and fuel
Cooling system: air cooled
Reduction gear: aftermarket reduction drive for aircraft use

Performance

Power output: 38 hp (28 kW) at 5000 rpm

[jpswift1]

What no Swift history lesson?

Oh man, Jim how did I miss this thread?!

OK, here's what I've got. The Kawasaki TA440 series engines were a great line. Recreatives used them to replace the JLO/Rockwell 2 strokes offered in the Maxes. They were used by Recreatives from the late 70's to early 80's. The TA440A was the version that was used in the Max line (some John Deere snowmobiles too). The A version had points ignition and a smaller Mikuni carburetor than the TA440B. The B version had CDI ignition and a larger carburetor. The B version wasn't available in the Max AATVs, but it came stock in Kawasaki snowmobiles. The C version was CDI ignition, dual plugs, and dual 34mm Mikuni carbs. It was a powerhouse and it's a very popular, as mentioned, with the ultralite aircraft crowd.

I'm guessing someone swapped the original TA440A out for the TA440C because of the extra horsepower and the fact that it would have been a simple bolt in swap since the mounting holes were in the same exact position.

[Adondo]

Sounds like a major hit of luck having that engine installed. Like mine with the 570cc 20HP Vanguard. The exhaust was fabricated, but they did a pretty good job of it. I've since added outside cooling air duct and cleaned up the solenoid wiring. It was a bonus buy as it could have had a tired OEM engine just as easy.

In a typical aircraft, such as a Cessna 182 or whatever, you have an ignition switch with MAG-1, MAG-2, and BOTH. (Besides start, etc. of course) When doing a run up at the end of a runway, dropping one and then the other set of magnetos (and set of spark plugs) drops the RPM a bit, usually about 5%. Dual plugs do make for a very good running engine. In the case of aircraft, dual ignition systems are for reliability since you can't just roll to a stop.

You also get dual carbs and who knows how much extra HP and torque.

[ARGOJIM]

Oh man, Jim how did I miss this thread?!

OK, here's what I've got. The Kawasaki TA440 series engines were a great line. Recreatives used them to replace the JLO/Rockwell 2 strokes offered in the Maxes. They were used by Recreatives from the late 70's to early 80's. The TA440A was the version that was used in the Max line (some John Deere snowmobiles too). The A version had points ignition and a smaller Mikuni carburetor than the TA440B. The B version had CDI ignition and a larger carburetor. The B version wasn't available in the Max AATVs, but it came stock in Kawasaki snowmobiles. The C version was CDI ignition, dual plugs, and dual 34mm Mikuni carbs. It was a powerhouse and it's a very popular, as mentioned, with the ultralite aircraft crowd.

I'm guessing someone swapped the original TA440A out for the TA440C because of the extra horsepower and the fact that it would have been a simple bolt in swap since the mounting holes were in the same exact position.

Now that's what I'm talkinbout.

As far as the engine question like JP wrote, it is possible that that engine type ( not that engine) may have been standard if the machine was originally a BigMax. If the machine has single 50 chain it's possible, it is also possible that you have a 295 or a 340T, 40 chain used in the 295.

[ARGOJIM]

Unless your going to race the machine a 4 stroke may be a better choice for a trail machine, unless you like hearing the rin nin nin nin, smelling the smoke and changing the plugs.

[Adondo]

Unless your going to race the machine a 4 stroke may be a better choice for a trail machine, unless you like hearing the rin nin nin nin, smelling the smoke and changing the plugs.

Yeah, that's pretty true. Nobody ever cuts firewood at low RPM with a chainsaw unless they're masochists who love repeatedly changing spark plugs. Two strokes love running hard and at high RPM. They do tend to load up when running too easy. Two strokes also seem to often get into "double pop" mode until run hard and cleared. In an ultralight aircraft, they're pretty much running full tilt Bozo or close to it 98% of the time. They run best with a good load on it.

[Rottsrool]

Excuse my ignorance, but I just purchased a Max II with an older OH 160 so my question is.... (Don't laugh) Where's the oil filter?? Or does it not have one.

[amphibious drew]

Excuse my ignorance, but I just purchased a Max II with an older OH 160 so my question is.... (Don't laugh) Where's the oil filter?? Or does it not have one.

No oil filter on it.

[swfleur]

thanks for the lesson on the Kawi 440 guys - I wondered what the heck on the 4 plugs, and yes Im more likely to pull it out and put in a 4 stroke. Anyone need an aircraft engine ? Im selling this 440 for 100 bucks

[jpswift1]

thanks for the lesson on the Kawi 440 guys - I wondered what the heck on the 4 plugs, and yes Im more likely to pull it out and put in a 4 stroke. Anyone need an aircraft engine ? Im selling this 440 for 100 bucks

Damn, that's a great deal! I'd be all over that if I were closer to you. I bet if you put it up for some of the ultralite guys it'd be sold in a second at that price......great deal for sure!