Stick/clutch adjustment plus some other stuff

[DannyP]

1994 Max IV. It’s all works but it wants to stall out when switching from forwardbwhile plowing. I changed the oil and filter because the oil smelled like gas (flooded) and installed a new fuel filter. I also adjusted the idle a bit.

When shifting into reverse I need to jiggle the sticks a bit and sometimes is does a little grind before it wngages. When switching to forward it just about always engages smoothly but I do not have to push the sticks forward to move the machine. It will go forward as soon as I squeeze the throttle. Is this normal or should I adjust the sticks and or the T20 itself?

Any input is appreciated.

18hp Briggs with 780 comet clutch

[ARGOJIM]

Springs?

[DannyP]

Springs?

On the shift linkages? They spring back forward when I pull back. The sticks just don’t go forward at all so as soon as you put the lever into gear it will move. I don’t think t helps that the belt and clutches are constantly turning even at low idle...

[ARGOJIM]

With the springs on the sticks forward is always engaged in foward, brakes always engaged when in reverse and it is normal to have to rock the machine to get into gear. Backward motion in reverse may require some strength to engage the bands and fight the spring pressure.

However either the idle is set too high or the belt is too tight if it is walking, getting into reverse may be harder also.

[ARGOJIM]

Oh BTW that is all normal, read post wrong.

[DannyP]

Oh BTW that is all normal, read post wrong.

Thanks. I actually ordered a new belt since I believe the one on there is original with over 300hrs clocked. I’m also starting to think I need to clean the carb just to make sure there’s no junk messing with my idle issues. It does start up right away in the cold but idles diwn and dies more often then not if I let it idle down even once it’s warmed up. I don’t feel like wearing out my starter every time I use it to plow haha.

[ARGOJIM]

I’m also starting to think I need to clean the carb just to make sure there’s no junk messing with my idle issues. It does start up right away in the cold but idles diwn and dies more often then not if I let it idle down even once it’s warmed up. I don’t feel like wearing out my starter every time I use it to plow haha.

Sorry I did not reply to that part, my Vanguard actually has the same problem and I've been to lazy to clean it due to running so many different machines this year. Clean out the carb, especially the low idle circuit, my machine runs fine but does die after a few seconds on idle and switching gears is the biggest fault time as there is often a surge. I had the same issue with the other machine and cured it right up, cleaning should also cure any surge you may have and the Vanguard "cough" off idle.

[DannyP]

It gets annoying having to start it every time I switch directions. When I first start it when cold it does do the dirty carb surge but once warm it goes away.

[ARGOJIM]

Turn up the idle a hair.