Max II Loss of power

[humanshield]

So I think my 2003 Max II doesn't have the grunt it once did. I notice it especially up steep hills. I have a suspicion it's the belt slipping. I have had this for 3 years same belt that came on it. I fabricated a snow blade mount and have been pushing snow with it for a couple years now which I would expect would decrease the life of the belt.

So do you guys think it is the belt? And if so, where would a guy find a belt for this thing? I need to check and see if the current one has any numbers on it.

[Mike]

It could be a number of things. Check the belt for wear and tension. You may just need to tighten it up some. Is it squealing any? Does the motor sputter any? If you want to change the belt, just take it off and take it to your local NAPA. They can get you one.

[humanshield]

No, it has not been squealing. I did notice yesterday while cruising with my son at about 1/3 throttle that the engine was revving up and down a little. Mixture maybe? And I have at times smelled hot belt when climbing steep hills.

[MaxRules]

Check to be sure it is firing on both cylinders. Pull off one spark plug wire at a time with a pair of insulated plyers while the engine is running. If it dies when you pull one off, you know the engine is only running on that cylinder.