Big Max II with JLO 440...not running..want to upgrade

[chris lewis]

Hi guys,

I have not posted in a long time...I got so POed with the JLO 440 I rebuilt not running that I just washed my hands of the whole deal for almost a year now. I bought a set of used twin Mikuni carbs for the JLO with the intakes but they were for an engine that sits upright...mine sits at an angle...so I have not used those.

So, in final frustration, I am considering junking my completely rebuilt JLO 440 and getting a used Vanguard Horizontal shaft engine.
In looking around, I have found some used 16 HP engines in the 250.00 range that purportedly run well. Would a 16 HP be OK? I am just going to do trail riding in my swampy back yard area.

What exactly would I need to upgrade my Big Max from the 440 to a 16 HP briggs?
What have you used for
Drive clutch
driven clutch
Belt type and size

Thanks for your help

Chris

[Mike]

A 16HP would be enough power to move you around nicely. Some Max II's came with 14HP Vanguards. As for what you need, you will need clutches for four stroke motors that will engage at different RPMs compared to your 2 stroke clutches. Then you will get a new belt. You can start by posting a wanted ad here on the forums for the clutches or you can call Roy at Quality Drive Quality Drive Systems , tell him what you are doing and he can set you up with new clutches and a belt of the right size.

[chris lewis]

Thanks mike!
Does 250 sound high for an engine? What would the belt and pulley system run on average?
CAn the weights and springs be changed out on existing two stroke assemblies for use with four stroke engines

[amphibious drew]

$250 is a good price for that engine used if its in good running condition. You need the engine to have a 1" shaft and the clutch to be a 1" clutch. You could go with 1 1/8" for both but the clutch price is ridiculous. A 2-stroke drive clutch cannot be easily converted to work so you should just buy one, however the driven clutch will work just fine if you swap out the spring with a green or red spring.

[chris lewis]

Yet another question:
Do the Vanguard engines need a fuel pump? Since the Max II was set up with return lines and uses the case vacuum to run the diaphragm pump on the Walbro carb, does the vanguard need a similar deal?

Thanks
Chris

[jpswift1]

Pretty much all the Vanguards come with a Mikuni pulse fuel pump on them right from the factory. All you have to do is plug in your single fuel line from the tank and go.