I need Help!

[halbert4287]

hey guys,

I have a late 80's or early 90's max iv with an 18hp vanguard on it. I just got it this past week and finally had a chance to look it over. I put a new batterry in put the lights come on and thats it, it doesnt turn over. Next step was to take the starter to be tested, and there in lies my problem. How in the world do you get it off. I got the bottom bolt off relatively easy, but the angle on the other will not allow the wrench or socket to fit in there. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[martwell]

Hi.... I gonna ask a silly question.. did you check the Starter relay(big relay with your starter wires attached to it) and also your key switch... sometime the key switch doesn't work well causing the starter relay to not work... There is also small connector that could be corroded by rust... Personally i would check everything else before trying to remove the starter... Last thing to try before removing starter is to plug it with jumper cable directly on it... I have started a engine out of a argo before buying it and have done it easily... Hope it could help you...

Martin

[halbert4287]

Hi.... I gonna ask a silly question.. did you check the Starter relay(big relay with your starter wires attached to it) and also your key switch... sometime the key switch doesn't work well causing the starter relay to not work... There is also small connector that could be corroded by rust... Personally i would check everything else before trying to remove the starter... Last thing to try before removing starter is to plug it with jumper cable directly on it... I have started a engine out of a argo before buying it and have done it easily... Hope it could help you...

Martin

I was thinking about that just now how do you go about testing the switch? Thanks for the info.

[martwell]

I'm not familiar with the Max wiring because i own an Old Argo but i think it could be similar. I never test this switch on hand but i got a a shop manual that give me my wiring.

My key switch is connected by 5 wires. One is a positive(+) wire, one is the negative(-) wire, third is the stopping wire for the engine( it put your engine coils to the ground) , fourth wire is the light wire( he put on the light on your machine) and the last one is for the starter relay( this one is put on when you want to start your engine, it is a momentary spring load switch who can stay on)

So logicaly, you got to find all of those wire on your machine ( i follow them to see what they are). After that you identify all of the wires you take a multimeter and check if you got a wire with 12v and a wire with the ground. If you got 12v and negative on the key switch next try to check one of the other 3 wire who's got 12v when you put your switch to the start position. If you don't have any of the 3 i think you got a faulty sw. If anyone who know Max AATV wiring he can correct me on that and I ll be pleased to hear about it. Hope you can start your Max and enjoy it soon..

Martin

[Roger S]

As far as the bolt goes, I use a 1/4" drive wiggle socket and extension, also have to turn the starter drive clutch(rectangle shaped) just right for more room. It's a poor design as far as working on it.

[racerone3]

i'd start testing at the starter and work toward the switch. jumper cable from battery + to the big lug on the starter... if it turns over then it's fine. next the solenoid. a paper clip, or small wire jumped from the wire that runs to battery + to the small exciter wire on the soleniod. a click or the engine cranking tells you it's good. a lot of times you'll get some corrosion on the battery wires. wiggle the ends of all of them. also try spraying some wd-40 into the key hole on the ignition and working the key back and forth a dozen or so times. i'd also try pulling the connector off the back of the ignition switch and looking for corrosion. again some wd-40 and working the connector on and off might just get you going. hope some of this helps you get your machine up and running