Primary Chain

[Jcrowder69]

Hi,

On my MaxIV I broke a primary chain. From what I understand, and I don't know where I read it, but I understand you have to remove the engine to replace the chains. Is that correct? I'm still waiting on them to arrive, and I haven't done any more digging in the machine other than getting the old chain out. I have also done a search for "MaxIV Primary Chain" and can't find anything. I also don't find anything in the listed in the "How To" section.

Please point me in the right direction.

Thanks,

Judson

[msafi65]

I find it so much faster to pull the engine, mount and all to service the chains. I've done them in the field where I didn't have any help and pull the back seat and walk the engine forward into the seat area. One guy can easly do this. With a way of lifting a 120 pounds or two healthy guys the engine comes out in a snap. I find the drive belt to be the toughest part of these. Always good to check all the transmission mount bolts especially on clutch side. Also inspect the idler sprockets for excess wear while you have your hands on them. The rear chains can be done but it's a bear and you can't inspect the other parts properly.

[Canadian_Zuk]

Unfortunately I've had my engine out 7 or 8 times in the last three months, I had help with it twice lol. I'm 6'2" and can lift the the engine and stand out from the back by myself fairly easily. It honestly takes less than 30 minutes to pull and makes the job easy.

[Jcrowder69]

Thanks so much for the helpful advice guys. I will check all the other items while I have the motor moved. I will repost when I am done, I just have to wait for the chains to arrive.

[Noel Woods]

Just did the same the other day. Before putting the new chain on, make sure your sprockets are still in good shape or you'll be doing this again shortly. By the way, your chain length should be 52 pins. Probably a good time to replace the belt as well.

Go with a quality chain like Diambond or Tsubaki and you will go a lot longer without having to replace the higher grade chains vs. the cheap ones.

[Jcrowder69]

Thanks Noel. I just was able to order two of the sprockets as well, just in case they needed replacing, once I have the engine out. I did not get a belt, as I forgot that as I was speaking with the sales rep. Where in Texas are you?

[Noel Woods]

Thanks Noel. I just was able to order two of the sprockets as well, just in case they needed replacing, once I have the engine out. I did not get a belt, as I forgot that as I was speaking with the sales rep. Where in Texas are you?

I live East of Dallas, about an hour out in the suburbs. Get your machine up and going and we will have to get together for a ride sometime.

[Rusty-Gunn]

I'm 5'3", so I am unable to yank the engine out of our Max myself. I have a spine disability as well.
I use Mark's recommendation of sliding the engine forward after the rear seat is removed. Easy enough. Takes about 20 minutes. We've done this about five times now.
The belt is the hard part. Removing and replacing is a bit differcult. Yet we accomplish it every time.

[Canadian_Zuk]

I agree, getting the belt on is a pain. One more tip to make this job a tiny bit easier is when you remove the master link, use it to temporarily attach one end of the new chain to the old chain to help feed it around the sprokets and idlers easily. I just spin a tire by hand if the machine is on stands or roll it down the driveway if its sitting on the tires.

[Jcrowder69]

Noel, I have family in Longview, a little further out than you, and he was the one who told me about Argo's. I will be housing my Max's in Crockett at my property to use for getting around and hunting and getting through the swamp and general stuff.
Rusty, thanks for 2nding the sliding of the motor forward, I'm 6'5", but easy is easy.
Zuk, great idea on the chain, unfortunately, I've already taken one of the chains off, well it did break. I will use your idea on the second primary chain.

[Noel Woods]

Longview isn't that far away. You'll be close to three of the best AATV play areas in the country as well.

Another trick to getting the primary chain on, pull the nut off the adjusters and then use a flat bar to push then pull the adjusters a bit to the front, and then up to get some additional clearance as you work the chain around the drive sprockets. One the chain is on, reverse the process to put the adjusters back on, then apply some tension, and its done.

[ww2imposter]

I have also just broken a chain in the rear of my Max 4. I am not sure if it is the primary chain or what. It is a short chain that appears to come off the engine sprocket. (See attached pics). Where can a replacement be found????
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[Mike]

You can order chain online or at your local bearing supply store. Be sure you get higher quality chain. There are a lot of threads on the forum with recommendations on brands but most agree that Diamond USA chain (not the foreign version) is a good chain to stick with. By the looks of your tub and the chain, you had probably better order enough chain to replace them all. I bet if you take that chain out, it will be very stiff and/or kinked from being covered in dirt over the years. Your other chains are probably going to start doing the same thing. It's often cheaper to buy chain in 50 ft. rolls vs buying 10ft sections so you may want to investigate that as an option.

[Noel Woods]

You can get replacement chain anywhere, ranging from cheapy tractor supply import stuff to high tensile strength Diamond or Tsubaki brand. Every Fastenal store I've been in sells it too, what you are looking for is high tensile strength, the higher the better. Quality chain will last years, cheapy chain may break and cause other things to damage in no time.
It looks from the blurry photo (#1) that the main drive sprocket is heavily worn as well as the tensioner sprocket. It may just be the lighting but they look shot, I would replace both of those at the same time if they are worn.
Regarding the chain, I buy a lot of new in the box chain from EBAY and Amazon, when I don't need it, and I've bought high end chain for less than $1/foot. Take your time and stock up, if you go out and buy this stuff retail you may pay $7-8 per linear foot or more.