By Tim White (Forester) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I'm a new owner of an 1998 Max IV w/16 hp B&S. I notice a popping or grinding noise like a chain is slipping when I turn. I've adjusted the chains, and oiled them. It looks like they are nearly out of adjustment. The rear adjusters have trouble staying tight against the chain, I finally think I got them tight enough now. I've had to replace a bent front axle. Got a machine shop to make a solid one. Not too hard to put on. Any suggestions on these noises??? What's the opinion on removing links vs. replacing chains? I've read a bunch of discussion so far.
These things are fun. Is there anything I need to do to prevent them from leaking when in water (besides put the plugs in)?

By david berger (Davidrrrd) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

tim sounds like the chain is streched too much, you can count the # of linke to determin if a link had already bin removed by the previose owner.
if its streached too much it wil not fit the sprokets right under a load and premiturly where the sprokets out.
cheeper too reaplace worn chain.

By Tim White (Forester) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

David,
How many links should there be? It sounds like it is coming from the rear chains, primary I suppose.

By david berger (Davidrrrd) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

tim you need to fix your profile page dude,
as for # of links i have a maxII,
im not shure on a maxIV,the factory can help,
you can call RI at : 1-800-255-2511
you might need your serial #