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Dave Andreasen
New member Username: Mndave
Post Number: 3 Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Monday, July 14, 2008 - 11:20 pm: |
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Hi folks, I have a 2001 Max IV with about 100 hours on it. A couple of weekends ago I had it out and I started hearing a clunking noise coming from the back. When I finally got a chance to investigate today, I discovered that the jackshaft chain on the right hand side of the vehicle was very loose. Further inspection revealed that 3 of the 4 bolts holding the T-20 transmission to the body were broken off. My questions for the experts here are: 1) Would the movement caused by the breaking of the bolts cause the chain to stretch out of adjustment? 2) Do I need to replace the chain between the output shaft of the T-20 and the main sprocket (jackshaft chain)? 3) How did these bolts break off? 4) How do I get the heads of the bolts out? 5) My brother suspects that one of the sprockets is worn and this caused the bolts to be stressed and break. Is this possible? If so, how can I tell if a sprocket is worn? Thanks in advance for all of your help! Dave in Anoka, MN |
Jerry Nuss - Illinois MAX dealer
Senior Member Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 698 Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 07:55 pm: |
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What size engine do you have. Sometimes the torque and vibration can start to work the bolts loose then they get broken. Some people build addition support for the t-20 in the form of a cage or additional bracing. You should be able to tell if the sprocket is worn by looking at it. Chain stretch is from wear not real physical stretching it. I would remove the transmission drill the bolts and remove them with an easy out. then use grade 8 bolts applied to the correct torque and use loctite. I would replace the chain with new chain. |
Dave Andreasen
New member Username: Mndave
Post Number: 4 Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 11:01 pm: |
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My engine is an 18 HP Briggs and Stratton. What kind of chain do I need? I have o-ring chain but I don't know the size. I don't think the sprockets are worn. The chain might have been loose, but I didn't think it was that loose. Thanks for the reply. Dave |
Eugene Kochnieff
New member Username: Eugenek
Post Number: 4 Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 08:10 am: |
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If You replace the bolts use the specified bolts. Changing to grade 8 from a lower grade is very often a mistake. Grade 8 bolts are stronger NOT tougher. If the bolts failed due to cracking grade 8 bolts will almost certainly fail also and probably sooner. If the bolts failed because they were too weak (the bolts show signs of plastic deformation)grade 8 may be the go. Best you use factory bolts torqued correctly and some thread locker. |
L.A. Philip Osborn
Advanced Member Username: Roadwolf
Post Number: 163 Registered: 02-2006
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 08:24 am: |
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Dave The owner of this site also sells max parts at good prices, gives fast service. the phone number is 812-944-1643 or the sight is http://www.richardsrelics.com/ Phillip Osborn LA |
Missouri's Max Dealer
Advanced Member Username: Brandon_price
Post Number: 282 Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 07:26 pm: |
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Dave, I just repaired a Max IV just like yours. The bolts break off because they back out of the hole. The factory has a new lock plate that secures these bolts and prevents them from backing out. It's basically a plate that goes under the two bolts on each side with a tab you bend to hold the bolt from turning. I use grade five bolts and if your broken bolts are stuck in the trans case, you can drill them out to 7/16" from the original 3/8" and retap the holes. Also, use high-temp red loc-tite on the new bolts. It is unlikely that your chain is damaged. It's loose because the unbolted trans pulls itself closer to the axle sprocket. The chain will be tight once the bolts are holding the trans again. Check everything for damage as well as your sprockets for broken teeth from the loose chain. |
Dave Andreasen
New member Username: Mndave
Post Number: 5 Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 10:22 pm: |
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Thanks everyone for the advice. I talked to the factory the other day. I wasn't expecting a quick answer from them so I posted here too. But to my surprise they called me back and told me something similar to what Brandon is saying. They are also sending me a new set of bolts and a lock plate. At no cost to me. That was a pleasant surprise. I don't see any sprocket or chain damage (all teeth are present, chains are the same length, no obvious signs of damage, etc). So once I get these bolts out, I'll put it back together and see how things run. Which leads me to my next question. Can I take the pulley off the left hand side of the T-20 safely? If so, how? I got the other 2 bolts out, but I have one last bolt that I can't get a drill into. Thanks again! You guys rock! Dave |
Jerry Nuss - Illinois MAX dealer
Senior Member Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 699 Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Thursday, July 17, 2008 - 12:02 pm: |
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Remove the bolt in the center of the torque converter(pulley) and slide it off. |
liflod
Advanced Member Username: Liflod
Post Number: 170 Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Thursday, July 17, 2008 - 01:26 pm: |
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I cannot complain about the service from Recreatives. They are very willing to help with problems. They have been doing this thing for 30+ years and I'm sure they've seen it all. |
Dave Andreasen
New member Username: Mndave
Post Number: 6 Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Thursday, July 17, 2008 - 02:46 pm: |
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Jerry, That's what I thought. I just saw a large spring and thought "Maybe this thing is going to come shooting off at me like a rocket." I'd rather not break any bones on this project. I should have been more specific. My real question is "How do you hold the thing down and stop the pulley from turning?" Also, do I need to put Locktite back on it to put it back together? Thanks again! Dave |
Jerry Nuss - Illinois MAX dealer
Senior Member Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 700 Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Thursday, July 17, 2008 - 05:44 pm: |
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I just hold it by hand and use a wrench and quickly crank on the bolt. When you reassemble use some antiseize on the shaft and torque converter. You can use some of the blue locktite on the threads of the bolt. |