Fuel Pump Reliability?

[gokorn1]

I'm planning another Caribou hunt at the end of the month, and I've started to think about the fuel pump reliability. I haven't seen much issue with them on the forums,
Is this something I should carry in a spare parts bag?

What else do you think I should carry just in case?

I will be about 400miles from the nearest parts dealer

[Toys4Me]

I've had issues with the pulse pumps about every 2 years. After researching found the the go-cart people have the same issue and seems to be with the ethanol in the gas. Pulled the last one apart and found all the plastic diaphragms were warped. One of my machines I've converted to an electric pump. My argo still has the pulse pump but I always carry an extra.

[gokorn1]

Well, the good news is in Alaska we dont have ethanol in our gas, which is a nice bonus.

About how many hours would you say a pump is good for?
Im at about 220hrs

[Rock Doctor]

gocorn1, I actually carry a lot of stuff in my machine, not sure if I want to list everything again, lol. Might be able to search for them in the forum threads.
A few things that come to mind.
Throttle cable (Broke one last week)
"Throttle to Governor" Spring
Valve Pushrod
2 outer and 1 inner axle bearing (Seals, and gaskets)
Belt
Fuel Pump (I carry one now, but only because I had it at home. I did have to rig up a Gravety Feed line to my carb once, just a 2liter pop bottle with a little extra fuel line)
Air Comp
Tire Plug Kit
Ratchet Strap
Chain Tensioner Assembly
Body Plugs
Rebuild Kit for Brake Master cylinder and Callipers, and spare Brake line.
Brake Plunger Pushrod
Secondary Clutch Slider Buttons

Cheers
RD

[ARGOJIM]

That's a good list there RD, add the usual master links, fuel filter,spark plugs, and drain plugs and you should be good. If you're runnin tracks a extra track pin and lock set or 2 are handy.

[thorn]

I am sure you have read/heard this, but the Kawi engines in the Conquest hate old gas. I bought a 2004 Conquest with 22 hrs on it and the owners had already installed a new pump (cheaper after-market). I had to replace that one when I bought it, but I used a OME Kawi pump. Obviously they did not stabilize the gas or use the machine enough.

I have taken some solid advice from a VERY knowledgable guy that used to work for a local dealer and now works directly for Argo and that is to use Marine Stabil in the gas. It has a ethanol treatment as well as (obviously) stabilizes the fuel. This Marine grade is designed for wet environments.

I know you are lucky enough to not have ethanol in your gas, but I have been to Alaska a few times and it definitely qualifies as "wet". I like to use it because I run my machine almost exclusively in the winter and I know you can get a lot of condensation going on.

Walmart sells it for about $10 a bottle and I use it all my machines and keep a bottle in my 6x6 Ranger, Conquest, and my boat.

Even at that I need to invest in another fuel pump to keep in my machine. They are so easy to swap out, I would be pissed if one failed back in the bush and I did not have an extra.

[gokorn1]

I am sure you have read/heard this, but the Kawi engines in the Conquest hate old gas. I bought a 2004 Conquest with 22 hrs on it and the owners had already installed a new pump (cheaper after-market). I had to replace that one when I bought it, but I used a OME Kawi pump. Obviously they did not stabilize the gas or use the machine enough.

I have taken some solid advice from a VERY knowledgable guy that used to work for a local dealer and now works directly for Argo and that is to use Marine Stabil in the gas. It has a ethanol treatment as well as (obviously) stabilizes the fuel. This Marine grade is designed for wet environments.

I know you are lucky enough to not have ethanol in your gas, but I have been to Alaska a few times and it definitely qualifies as "wet". I like to use it because I run my machine almost exclusively in the winter and I know you can get a lot of condensation going on.

Walmart sells it for about $10 a bottle and I use it all my machines and keep a bottle in my 6x6 Ranger, Conquest, and my boat.

Even at that I need to invest in another fuel pump to keep in my machine. They are so easy to swap out, I would be pissed if one failed back in the bush and I did not have an extra.

Great advice for sure. I'm going to drain my tank and refill with fresh fuel.

FYI there is a guy selling oem kaw fuel pumps on eBay. I was able to offer him $80 and he took it

[kingtroller]

+ 1 on the spare fuel pump!!!

Water crossings in AK with loaded argo's... sometimes they get a little wet!!! I take enough oil, gear oil and brake fluid plus oil, air and fuel filters to change out if a flooding does happen. Spark plugs are needed as well. It may take some time, but you can get them running with these items. Gallon zip-lock bags help with the fluid draining process!!!

I also carry a;
spare axle assembly with all hardware
spare brake cable assembly
spare throttle assembly
steering pin kit
brake pads
master cylinder rebuild kit
chain tensioner kit
new fuel line
fuses
spare wiring with connectors
wire ties and duct tape
grease gun with plenty of grease
chain lube
assortment of nuts, bolts and washers.


Most of the small items go into zip lock baggies and pack away into a small tool bag (including the axle). It's amazing how many critical parts fit in such a small container. It's real easy to get OCD with parts, but in the bush it's better than the alternative.

Mike