first time taking max out

[tim1jr]

Sunday afternoon finally got to take out the max for the first time. Still trying to figure out the sticks. It seemed liked sometimes it sound like the chains was making a popping noise while trying to turn at real slow speeds or almost at a stop. When turning is the the one stick supposed to be pulled all the way back or just partially? Also the max was running ok, pulled in the yard and shut it off, now it won't start or turn over. Headlights work battery is reading full charge. Have a kohler motor, any suggestions what this might be?

Tim

[Mike]

A lot of times that popping sound will be the chain adjusters. As for the turning, you can pull the stick back to a neutral position where no power is going to that side yet no brakes are being applied or you can pull all the way back and engage the brake.

Most of the time slow speed turns will require the stick to be pulled all the way back where higher speed turns you can get away with just slight movement of the sticks.

When you try to start your Max now do you hear anything at all?

[mightymaxIV]

Sunday afternoon finally got to take out the max for the first time. Still trying to figure out the sticks. It seemed liked sometimes it sound like the chains was making a popping noise while trying to turn at real slow speeds or almost at a stop. When turning is the the one stick supposed to be pulled all the way back or just partially? Also the max was running ok, pulled in the yard and shut it off, now it won't start or turn over. Headlights work battery is reading full charge. Have a kohler motor, any suggestions what this might be?

Tim

If you hear a clicking sound when you turn your key it's either a bad ground or your starter soliniod. When steering a Max I always apply this low speed tip, steer with the throttle. In other words it's not enough to simply pull back on the stick you have to apply power or steer with the throttle and this will pull you right around. As Mike says when you travel at higher speeds you can simply pull back a little on either stick to make adjustments. If the chains are loose they make a popping sound as the try to work there way off the sprockets when you turn. When your moving down a trail the chains will also slap against the floor if you let them get loose. Hope this helps, DAN

[tim1jr]

Thanks for the input i will have to check the chain tension. How tight should the chains be. Also the thing about the starting there is no clicking or any other noise when trying to start it. It was running, i turned it off and tried to start it 10 mins later and nothing.

[Mike]

First check your wiring to make sure everything is still hooked up. You could also try jumping the solenoid with the switch on and see if it fires up.

As for chain tightness, you want 1/4" total deflection.

[philipatmaxfour]

Checking the chains

As for chain tightness, you want 1/4" total deflection.[/QUOTE]

Mike, Do you advocate jacking the wheels up on that side of the machine when checking chain tension?

[Mike]

Good point Philip, I am an advocate of that

Yeah, that is probably the easiest way especially if you don't have a lift or if you only have one jack. Sometimes if I don't have access to a jack, I just rock the machine back and forth in neutral to remove any tension and tighten that way too.

[AKTrail]

I think my chains look pretty loose when not engaged, and I get a "pop" sound during certin manuver. If I have excess slack, how do I tighten? Do I move the small sprokets down tighter to the chain?

[tim1jr]

Mike, Is there step by step instructions anywhere on the board for tightening the chains on a max?

[Mike]

No there's not. On a Max II, you just push the adjusters down (or up) one notch at a time. You can usually do that by hand. Here is the how-to article on replacing the chain guides. It has pictures of the adjusters in case you are looking for them on your max II: http://www.6x6world.com/forums/gener...placement.html

For the Max IV you have to loosen the bold that goes through the adjuster/sprocket and then slide the adjuster down until the chain is tight. Then tighten the bolt back up.

Hope that helps.

[AKTrail]

It sure helps me! Thanks!

[wommy]

Best way with a IV is to use a small two legged puller. Centre bolt between the teeth on the cog and the two legs in the grooves. Works like a charm to tighten a little at a time and give a positive hold.

[mudbug3]

Wormy,

Thats a good chain adjustment tip for a Max IV . Thanks for posting it .