Need advice on buying

[Vortex]

Hello,

I have already print out and read the buying guide but still i have some questions:

I'm currently looking at a 1995 Conquest for sale. The last owner have change the bearings on all the wheels but did not change the gasket so he told me that the Argo is taking water by the shaft. Why would someone replace the bearings and not the gaskets that's surprising...What would you make of that?

If there is track on the Argo, will I be able to check the bearings on the wheel?

He told me that he got the frame out sandblast it and paint it, is it usual? Seems strange.

He also told me that he replace the bearings on the transmission.

The argo is only 273 hours is it possible for an old argo like that? And would you change the bearings on all wheel after just that much of hours?

He says that the chains and the sprockets are good.

The engine is a Kawasaki 20 HP.

Finally the tires are going to need replacement (is it normal after 273 hours?) Maybe because it have tracks. And what would be the cost to replace all tires? I have read that you need to change the wheel too on older models, is it true? I'm expecting near 1600$ for 8 tires and rims is it too much?

What would you look for knowing as much as me!! Paying 2 500$ to 3 000$ for a 1995 i think it's in the good range but i'm affraid to do a mistake.

Thanks in advence for your reply.

Vortex

[thebuggyman1]

The Argo bearing design (pre HDI) uses a separate seal from the bearings. This seal often cuts a groove in the axle and allows water/mud to bypass. The grove can be repaired, but many people replace the axle. There are also cork gaskets that could be leaking. Gaskets are cheap, repair of the axle is cheap, but it takes labor to do them.

I would not try to check the bearings w/tracks on.....middle axles may be possible, but not front and rear.

A frame out resto is A LOT OF WORK on an Argo. That does sound strange.

Transmission should not have needed bearings at 273 hrs

Wheel bearings will start to go at around 200 hours....not strange.

Double check the chains/sprockets. They can be expensive.

New Argo tires ...for a conquest...are approx $140 each....times eight Rims around $60 IF it does need them.

Here in the States, I'd guess the machine is worth a max of $5k less all the parts and labor it needs.

How about a nice Avenger instead? http://www.6x6world.com/forums/aatvs...o-avenger.html

[Vortex]

Thanks Jim I will probably go see the Argo this week-end...It will be a hard decision i think, since the price is not so high and it need more repear. I guess it's always like this when you don't have enoigh money to buy a newer model.

I will go buy a lottery ticket today, we never know!

Vortex

[ARGOJIM]

Tracks are hard on chains and bearings and will cut the life in half, 273 with tracks always on I would expect replacement, like buggyman wrote the seals are probably the culprit. With the frame being out I would suspect it had water laying in it for a while which would also shorten the bearings life and would be my guess it's had 2 sets. You could check for leaks by partially filling the machine with water and see where it comes from.

[Vortex]

Thanks ARGOJIM I will try that if I can.

Anyone have image of worn chain and Spreckets so i can compare?

Also I am watching the video of RockDoctor on the compresson test what should be the pressure?

Check the link with the seller's photo...Anything you see that I don't...Wich would be anything since i don't know a lot about Argo.

argo conquest

Thanks again.

[Mike]

Worn chain will be stretched/loose to the point that you can't tighten it any more with the chain adjusters. Work sprockets look like the one on the left:
DSC_0528.jpg

It is ofter referred to as shark fins. Notice the different shape of the teeth and how they are bent back from pulling the chain.

[spookum]

it takes a pretty sharp eye, but make sure somone didnt take out a full link and put in a half link. Half links *usually* have cotter pins! The best way to check is to see how far the chain adjusters are gone.

[Vortex]

Finally this one was not for me! Did not trust the sellers, the chain and sprockets where worn, No more thread on tire, etc... Will have to whait for another one.

[guyfox]

It is better to trust your gut feeling and not jump into the first machine that you see. If you have the feeling like he is not telling you something then he probally is not telling you everything.

Paitence grasshopper and you will find the machine that suits your needs.

[Vortex]

Thanks Sifu!! Will try to whait for THE machine!