Drive belt

[phil_1066]

How tight should the belt be from the engine to the gearbox on a newish Max 2, and what is the easiest way to adjust it as it looks like its the only thing on the Max that doesn't have an adjustment screw/bolt, just the bolts securing the engine to the chasis:

[Mike]

For adjusting the belt, the engine mounts are slotted for adjustment. Loosen those four bolts and slide the motor back to tighten the belt. I think proper belt tension has been posted here before so search the site for that. Going from memory for me is usually a bad thing but I am thinking proper tension is achieved when the belt deflects 1-1.5" at 5-10 ft. lbs. Don't hold me to that though. While there is a proper deflection at a certain force, I think most people just pull the motor back until the belt is tight and then tighten the mounting bolts back up. If it is too loose, it will take you a long time to get up to speed. If it is too tight, your clutches won't work properly but it is usually hard to get them that tight in our machines.

[phil_1066]

I tried pulling the engine back but one side moves but not the other even with bolts fully loosened. I tried using a G clamp but can't get one the right size to manoevre. Any tips anyone. They have adjustments for everything else you would think they could put a simple adjuster on the engine mounts.

[Mike]

I think they made it as easy as possible to adjust the motor. If one side is not moving then you just need to figure out why. Can you pick the motor up on both sides or is the metal motor mount stuck to the rubber isolators? Is the belt so worn that you are as far back as you can go with the motor? If so, it's time to replace your belt. There is a how to on removing the engine here with pictures that should help: Remove your Max II Engine

[Middlefork Miner]

I'm not sure what/how is the proper way...on the build I'm doing I welded an adjustment nut to the transmission plate, but before I did that, I took a small wedge & had a friend put it between the plates as I twisted them apart a bit...On mine there was a gap about 1/8" between the plates...I then slid the tranny into place to make sure I had enough adjustment to loosen the tranny enough to get the belt off easy & also be able to tighten enough for wear/stretch...from what I've read, the belt should ride 1/8-1/16" above the driven clutch plate...don't take my word on this though, cause I have zero experience working on these machines... I still haven't welded everything down tight yet & it's all held together with booger tack welds...