Back 6 wheeling

[hipowerone]

Another update: So, after waiting forever for the U-bolts to arrive, my mechanic buddy got them installed in quick order, and I was tickled pink when I brought the trailer back to the house and parked it in anticipation of an upcoming chance to drag the MAX for an outing. First, I had to deal with a planned 440mile trip in the van, which went off without a hitch. However, 2 days later, when getting things ready for a possible outing, I noticed an oil leak. Upon examination, I found my power steering was leaking....bad. I filled reservoir, took van for a short 20 mile ride and the PS pump was complaining about low fluid. Called my mechanic, and he has me scheduled for the repair, only problem is, it is at least a week away. As is often said, if it were not for bad luck, I would have no luck at all..... Maybe some day all the stars will align!

[hipowerone]

Whoops

[hipowerone]

A recent photo of my 1996 MAX II, after a romp in the muddy woods. We have had an extremely wet spring and start to summer, and the local clay soil clings to the tires like cookie dough.

MyMAX-IIad.jpg

[hipowerone]

Sort of an update: I have been really getting excited about having my MAX II back in working order, and because it seems so much more reliable, I am getting excited about possibly taking it to other locations, for rides and such. To do so, I needed to get my nearly 38 YO tilt bed trailer back into working condition. First thing was redoing the wiring, and in that process, I decided to replace all the incandescent bulbs/lights with LED. Rather than try to switch bulbs into old equipment, I replaced each light device with submersible units, in case I want to float the 6x6 off the trailer. It was not much of a price difference, when I was searching, so I went that route. Now, all new wiring and lights are installed. However, in the process, (with trailer tipped on its side for ease of access) I discovered that the U-bolts/nuts were in terrible shape...rusted so bad that 2 nuts were literally missing/gone. So, I have new U-bolts and hardware on order, and those will shortly be replaced. I also upgraded my jack stand to a crank unit to make use a bit easier as well. Other than that, the trailer will be good to go shortly, and I will be able to take the MAX II on some road trips. Two places are top of my list. One is to my cousin's deer camp, 1 acre tucked in between about 500 other acres, and the other to my nephew's Maple Sugar orchard...171acres of really fun logging roads and nice hunting. Both places have a clean and dry shelter, with heat, which I can use for overnights, if I so desire. About to let the good times roll!
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[hipowerone]

Hi Guys....More on the resurrection:

Since I last reported, I had ordered new valve cover gaskets, along with the valve cover self sealing washers, and now replaced those.

As I was not sure how many hours were on the engine/oil/filter, since I last changed it, I decided to do an oil/filter change.

For those who have 'enjoyed' this chore, I can report I had a EUREKA idea. I pawed through the recycling bin and pulled out what looked like might be an ideal item to help with the chore. It was a plastic tub/tray that fresh mushrooms are packaged in at the grocery. It sort of measures 8" long by 4.5" wide by 2.5" deep. WHY? When I had drained the oil, using my vacuum extractor, I was fairly certain that I did not get it all out. As my engine has a roughly 4" capped tube screwed into the drain hole, this tray fit directly below the tube, and when I removed the cap, nearly another 8-10 oz of old oil flowed out. Then, when I went to remove the oil filter, I moved the tray up underneath it. and it fit perfectly, and all the oil that normally would have dripped into the MAX tub, it all drained into the tray, and I could even just let the filter drop into the tray. NO MUSS AND NO FUSS! I was really quite pleased with myself for finding this item, and have asked the wife to save 3-4 more of these trays for me to have handy in the shop. I can also use them to hold screws, nuts, washers, cotters, etc, during any other project/job.

I used 10W30 Full synthetic and new filter. And also, since I last reported, the engine has started on first try each and every time for over 2 weeks. I am crossing my fingers that I have progressed beyond the engine problems of the past.

I am thinking about adding a spark wire pickup TACH/Hour meter for use. Has anyone installed/used one of these, and if so, how well do they work/do you like? I would really like to add the new MAXATVS improved GPS speedometer & tachometer unit, but so far have not heard back from them if this is available as an upgrade option.

While I may be "preaching to an empty church" here, I will keep posting in hopes that there is some revival to this forum/site.

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[hipowerone]

So, after having worked on the valves, I noticed some oil leakage on the covers. Did some research and found a B&S parts manual for my engine, and learned a bit more. Each engine has a model number and codes. I found a way to interpret those, and from that determined my engine was definitely a 1996, made in March, so that matches my machines build year. The date code was required to find the correct self sealing washers for the valve covers. Boy! B&S does not give those away (B&S pn 691766)! Found some on ebay for much less, and when I got them, I verified that they were the correct part.

It is sure great to have an engine that starts each and every time. Onward and upwards!

Screenshot from 2025-05-29 08-19-32.png

[hipowerone]

For those who may be wondering....NO! Once I got the engine to start and run, twice in a row, I shut it down. I then reached out to a mechanic friend, and he let me borrow his feeler gauge set, and I have since pulled the valve covers on both cylinders and have since checked and set the valve lash on both cylinders. Once that was done, I then felt safe to start and drive the MAX II. WOW! What a difference in performance. While I am not a mechanic, I am pretty adept at reading and finding 'how to' videos. I am not sure what else might be found, but this alone has been a game changer. If only pulling and changing axle bearings could be as easy.

[hipowerone]

Hi Guys....again...and the saga continues

After I got the MAX II restarted back in November, all went well for about 3-4 weeks and then engine lost power and I could not get it restarted, possibly due to colder weather. I put the 6x6 back in the barn and forgot about it. Well, today, a fairly nice day, no rain for a couple days so things are drying up a bit around her (we had had 2 weeks solid rain...brooks/streams over their banks). I once again got the urge to tackle the 6x6 and issues.

I recently purchased a 'spark tester' and it showed good steady spark, both cylinders. I had changed plugs in Sept, but I pulled, cleaned, tested, and again, good spark.

Checked fuel again, PITA, but in for a penny in for a pound.

I finally got engine to start, but while it was running 'ok', it was not really great. I finally had an idea. I got my TEMP tester gauge out and checked exhaust temps on both cylinder exhaust
ports....AHHHH...one was showing 417F and the other barely ambient temp!!!!

SOOO....I got to thinking, MAYBE A VALVE issue???? Since this is a B&S Vanguard 14HP OHV engine, I pulled the valve cover off that cylinder and VOILA.. a push rod on one valve was not working... I checked and it was literally out of place.... I used a pair of small pliers, and was able to hold it long enough to get seated....and YAHOOO....it starts and runs....I have to wonder why the push rod became dislodged, but I will use it a bit and check frequently.....crazy....but STUFF happens.

Back in September, when all was looking up, I purchased tracks from Richard's Relics, thinking that with winter coming, it would be fun to get some snow time in. Now I am dying to get them installed and try them out. I just am a bit skittish about doing much more 'upgrading' until I have a machine that will start and run dependably.

BTW, I recently visited the MAXATVS.com site and looked at some of their recent videos. Some good stuff there both in news, and updates on the new machines and upgrades that have been included with the updated machines. If you have not visited, now is the time to pop over and check them out. They are also on FB.
Every time I have a new issue with my MAX II, I get the urge to look at new???? My wife would kill me, so that is probably out of the question.

[john swenson]

i did that build in 2018 and it still works awesome . only replaced som chain and a few bearings in those 6 years . and it is a easy job since they are easy and comfortable to get to . jboy

[john swenson]

google max 2 highboy rebuild jb

[hipowerone]

I had read that sometimes just replacing the carb on older engines, vs rebuilding, is a cheaper and faster way to fix some power problems. Then I found an older thread regarding Carburetors and B&S 14HP Vanguard engines. Has anyone done this upgrade/modification, and if so, was it successful and was there a noticeable increase in power?
It just seems too simple to be true????
Thanks in advance

[hipowerone]

Hey John
near Middlebury VT...apple country...right next to Lake Champlain...which some have tried to have named the 'sixth Great Lake'.
Yeah, when I got my MAX II, one of my earliest observations was, "boy, these guys designed this to be put together period....in hopes of lasting forever and never taken apart"
Also, I am sort of interested in what you mean by a 'subframe'. Do you have any photos and or description?

[john swenson]

awesome place to ride ... near what town and what state ? yeah , you got to have a good back and be fairly nimble to get to some of those repair spots . that's why i redid my max 2 with a subframe. now all bearings and chains are easily repaired when needed . jboy

[hipowerone]

Hi guys and thanks for the kind words and encouragement.

While the photo does not do it justice, (2022 image), there are tons of trails and paths through the old orchards. While he owns some of it, the nearest neighbor owns tons of acres, formerly family orchard business. There is some resurgence, and one local orchard owner has approached about possibly renting/leasing and restoring the orchard to production. My son-in-law likes to bow hunt, and has a 4wheeler and tractor and is opening some places to make deer travel easier, and it has proven helpful, according to his game cameras. He also has permission to rifle hunt on much of the land, and with a few large fields near by, some really nice clear shots are there.

Johnboy: as I was changing wheels/tires, it too noticed some bad bearings, mostly right side, and I may have to tackle them in the near future. While the front bearings look fairly straight forward, the middle and back ones look like a challenge (access). The right middle bearing was the worst, and has for now put me off wanting to float this tub right away, though it may not leak as bad as I suspect.

Back in 2016, I did inspect my chains and sprockets, and they look surprisingly good considering it is a 1996 machine. I had also inspected the brakes, and replaced the brake toggle cable, and in doing so fixed the brakes, as some previous owner had them reversed (left <--> right) and I was surprised that they had worked at all. Now they will jolt you to a stop.

I also replaced the incandescent headlamps with LED's and what an amazing difference. It sure makes evening rides more pleasant.

And just this past week, in a jaunt through the woods in back of my house, I jumped 8 deer. Flags a waving everywhere! The woods are red oak, beech, hickory, some ash, maple, and cherry. The deer and turkey love the area. Plus, as an added treat, 40+ years ago I planted 9 apple trees out front, which they also love. Turkeys will actually land in apple trees and eat the frozen/wilted fruit.

Also, in today's mail, I received a great e-bay find, a NOS DAYCO MAX1039 belt!

[jeffery9076]

GLAD YOUR BACK.I have been lurking for a while