1994 Max II pulling to one side

[JAM]

Well, tested out the new chains, everything went well, the sprockets look good, the max seems to be running well and turning normally. Hopefully this will get through hunting season, then it's time for a complete tear down. Even though it is decent shape I want it to be in excellent shape.

By the way, I am hooked on this machine, thanx for all the help.

[JAM]

The #60 chain, jack shaft to the mid axel, 33 + master link, that is what is on each side. Now maybe this is not original, but chain fits perfectly, or seems to. ran fine no binding or anything like that this is a 94 max II. If you think this is not right let me know before I get out in the middle of the swamp with it, rather fix in my garage then in the mud.
thanx

[rdr]

number of links does not matter . it the teeth on the sprocket and of it is pulling to that side. i bet the center sprocket is different
21 vs 22 teeth on the center sprocket on the center axle robbie
.

[JAM]

Thanx guys,
I think the problem was tire psi, but I will count the teeth to make sure they are the same. When I checked the tires the left side had about 3 psi less then the right side. don't know why it was like this maybe previous owner started on one side and left it? only guessing. The sprocket looked good, with no rounding, chipped or broken teeth. Can't wait to try it out on the trail. From now on I will bring spare chain and master links with a chain breaker, better to have to fix it on the trail then walk home.

[rdr]

jam u should not need but 3 psi max in ur tires what year is ur max if it has the max k rims 3 psi is pleanty robbie

[JAM]

rdr,
I am running 5 psi as the tire reads for max operating pressure, the left side had so little pressure it would not register on my air gauge, I was worried I would throw a bead on the tires and the right side registered 4 psi, so I just figured there had to be some pressure because the left side was not flat. so i evened them off at 5 psi the max operating pressure that is printed on the side of the tires. this seemed to solve the pulling issue, however i have yet to have the chance to run it any distance, but worked great in the driveway. Should I back the tire pressure off, I know some talk about over inflating, but thaought that if 5 psi is printed it should be in the safe range? Maybe I will back all six off to 3 psi? any suggestions are always helpful.
Thanx

[Mike]

I don't believe your wheels are the k-locks. I think Max started using those in 97-98 so your 1994 probably doesn't have them unless someone replaced the wheels:


With those you can run very low pressures from 0-2 psi but with the non k-lock wheels you will have to run higher pressures just to keep from breaking a bead out on the trail. Just keep in mind that the lower your tire pressure the better it will ride. I would at least drop them down to 4psi and maybe a little less unless you start to pop beads.

[JAM]

mike,
thanx i did notice a noticable difference in the ride, but at the time my main concern was the pulling. and when the pressure did not register i was concerned, i ride in some nasty stuff. i did not want to start breaking beads. but that makes sense now that i know you can run such low pressure, would a digital gauge be more presice? or anyone have a favorite pressure gauge for very low pressures.
jam

[Mike]

Purchase a tire gauge made for low pressure tires otherwise 5PSI from a regular gauge could be 3 PSI or it could be 9 PSI. Most low pressure gauges only go up to 10-15 PSI. I just ordered a new one the other day. It is like one that member joemeg had at a ride last year. He let me borrow it and I really liked it. He gave me a link to where he ordered his: Cycle Gear - BIKEMASTER: Air-Pressure Gauge with Hose,

[JAM]

Thanx mike,
I think that is what i need, maybe that will help me get the tire pressures right.
jam

[JAM]

I went out and got a digital tire gauge that reads low pressure and the difference in tire pressure was amazing it ranged from 8.5 to 5.5 psi. haven't had it out yet but I can't imagine it won't make a difference. I brought the tires down to 3.5 psi, I think it is a good starting point.

Thanx again

[JAM]

went out and tested, about 6 miles in the front right chain came off. It appears to have not been properly tensioned, got lucky had the parts to fix on the trail made it home under it's own power. Hopefully this will be it I will tension all the chains , I seems i will learn this machine through my mistakes, but i heard it here from someone that it will make me a better mechanic. or it will make me get a pair of really good hiking boots, haha.