max II sitting for 10 yrs

[nairb35]

I have been wanting to buy a max for about a year now. I have a line on one,here's the thing the guy says it was in storage for 10 years and had to have the carb rebuilt. I assume because it lacquered from sitting, what else should I be looking for with this machine? I guess my main concern would be the t20 what could be wrong and how much to fix/time to fix.Thank you for any and all responses.

[George]

I have been wanting to buy a max for about a year now. I have a line on one,here's the thing the guy says it was in storage for 10 years and had to have the carb rebuilt. I assume because it lacquered from sitting, what else should I be looking for with this machine? I guess my main concern would be the t20 what could be wrong and how much to fix/time to fix.Thank you for any and all responses.

Assuming no problems before going into storage, the T-20 should be fine. I've had much older machines (some exposed to the elements) with very good T-20s in them.

Open the drain plug on the tranny a crack. If it runs red, you probably have a good T-20.

Usually the only parts that need replacing are the bands (4 in all) and if the machine was driven with bad bands, they have scored the drums. I think some guys here have had drums re-cut. New bands I believe run about $100 each.

[racerone3]

if the carb had to be rebuilt due to varnish, you will want to go through the entire fuel system. remove the tank. put in some dish soap and water and slosh it around. repeat that a few times and then rinse it real well. replace all the ruber fuel line and the filter.
also, lube everything you can find to lube on the machine. grease the grease fittings. and spray some lube on anywhere a part moves... shift linkage, steering levers and control rods. the plungers and shifters in the t-20, chain. look at the fluid in the t-20. if it's red and doesn't smell really burnt you might be ok. change the t-20 fluid and engine oil...
also, ask the guy why it was parked. most say that they "just stopped using it" but you will usually find that there was some issue that led to it getting parked, and then they never got around to fixing it
good luck and keep us posted on any issues that may come up

[fasteddiesllc]

if the carb had to be rebuilt due to varnish, you will want to go through the entire fuel system. remove the tank. put in some dish soap and water and slosh it around. repeat that a few times and then rinse it real well. replace all the ruber fuel line and the filter.
also, lube everything you can find to lube on the machine. grease and grease fittings. and spray some lube on anywhere a part moves... shift linkage, steering levers and control rods. the plungers and shifters in the t-20, chain. look at the fluid in the t-20. if it's red and doesn't smell really burnt you might be ok. change the t-20 fluid and engine oil...
also, ask the guy why it was parked. most say that they "just stopped using it" but you will usually find that there was some issue that led to it getting parked, and then they never got around to fixing it
good luck and keep us posted on any issues that may come up

Racer sounds like you been through this a time or two....Recent purchase of a hustler has opened my eyes to other things to look for..Look into your frame and its welds.... look at the corners and the steel conditions at your corners, any cross - frame bracing, at your bearing holes, (found mine rusty and weak on the outer rails between them and the body) frame condition is important...steel supply and fab work are teaching me this...

[Uncle Vin]

if the carb had to be rebuilt due to varnish, you will want to go through the entire fuel system. remove the tank. put in some dish soap and water and slosh it around. repeat that a few times and then rinse it real well. replace all the ruber fuel line and the filter.
also, lube everything you can find to lube on the machine. grease the grease fittings. and spray some lube on anywhere a part moves... shift linkage, steering levers and control rods. the plungers and shifters in the t-20, chain. look at the fluid in the t-20. if it's red and doesn't smell really burnt you might be ok. change the t-20 fluid and engine oil...
also, ask the guy why it was parked. most say that they "just stopped using it" but you will usually find that there was some issue that led to it getting parked, and then they never got around to fixing it
good luck and keep us posted on any issues that may come up

I have the same issue. What kind of "lube" should be used on the plunger and shifters in the t-20?

[racerone3]

I have the same issue. What kind of "lube" should be used on the plunger and shifters in the t-20?

i use CRC power lube on my stuff CRC Industries Automotive Product Detail Remington gun oil in a spray can also works really well. it is meant to protect the finish on firearms, so it lasts a long time.

[jbies]

I understand....

Re:

I have been wanting to buy a max for about a year now. I have a line on one,here's the thing the guy says it was in storage for 10 years and had to have the carb rebuilt. I assume because it lacquered from sitting, what else should I be looking for with this machine? I guess my main concern would be the t20 what could be wrong and how much to fix/time to fix.Thank you for any and all responses.

Hi,
I understand...This past spring...I bought a 14 year old MAX II that had been in storage in an up scale neighborhood in guys garage the whole time. The Max II I bought was 14 years old and had just 97hours on it... I bought it for $3,500. since then I have spent almost a thousand dollars on it. I had to replace the entire fuel system. (carb, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel pump) and I had to repeatedly rinse out the fuel tank too. Call me at (256) 508-0632 if you care to know more about what I experienced ....

Also ... here is a tip...you might want to consider replacing the drive belt at the first sign of wear or before if you know the belt is 10 yrs old...and I suggest carrying a spare drive belt with you when you ride. Keep the chains adjusted and well lubed... change all the fluids when you first get the machine and go over every thing on the machine really, really well. It took me months of trial and error to get my Max II in top shape.

After I bought my MAX II I found out that the design of the newer MAX II's have been improved a good bit. If you can afford to buy a new machine It may be worth doing. If I were doing it over again I would buy a new MAX II with a 18HP or larger engine, roll bar, seat belts, upgraded tires and solid axles and I would have the Winch factory installed on the machine as well.

Call me if you think i can help...

[argohunter]

The above posters have made good suggestions overall. Many people don't take the proper steps to put any kind of machine in storage, they simply park it and let it sit especially if there was a problem with it before was "stored". Aside from the carburetor issue, will the engine run? A compression check of the engine would be helpful. Is it a 2 or 4 cycle? Tires holding air? Depending upon where you are located, there maybe someone on this forum close by to help you look it over.

[nairb35]

Argo hunter I am also in WI 30 miles west of oshburg. I really appreciate all the feedback.I am a firearm enthusiast also and belong to a couple of other BB When you need answers these BB's are a life saver The people on them are usually the best or country has. thanks again.

[argohunter]

Argo hunter I am also in WI 30 miles west of oshburg.

Oshburg eh? Just a bit nort of Fongulac don't cha know - used to make dem der farmer overalls der don't cha know....B'gosh.

I'm am NW of you near the St Croix NSR. Let us know how this turns out and we like to see pictures.

[nairb35]

Well guys I finally own a max I took all of what everyone posted and went the 262 miles to look at it. It is in great shape the guy that had it took really good care of it runs drives perfect 2800 for an 89 with seat belts and roll bar the mach really was well cared for and maintained the only thing I can find wrong is the stick return springs are off but I kind of like it that way after driving Max's with them on. Thanks to all for the posts on it being stored for 10 yrs Know I know you guys will want to see pics I have to take some.What a fun toy they are.

[Mike]

Congratulations. I'm sure you can't wait to hit the trails. Like you said, the springs aren't a big deal at all. A lot of people like them off, it's just personal preference. Looking forward to pics and video.

[nairb35]

I thought I would finally post a pic of my machine.Mods I have made are split shift,chain adjusters,winch,custom racks front back,and 100 amp alternator. Wow writing all that done just made me realize I am sooo... hooked on my machine. I can't wait to afford tracks.

[argohunter]

100 amp alternator Wow! I can't find your pictures.

[nairb35]

pictures

Finally figured out how to upload pictures,turns out all a guy has to do is read the faq about uploading pictures.I hope somebody looks at the photos I have dial up and it took forever to upload them.max pictures dec 2010 003.jpgmax pictures dec 2010 002.jpg