chains???

[chapy]

the chain that goes to the front axel seems really loose. I don't see any way to make it tight.Am I missing something??? If there is no chain tensioner then what do I do? Also the chain that goes from the tranny to the (drive axel?) seems loose too. Is there an adjustment for that? Thanks guys for the help. I can take some pictures if needed. Seth

[Roger S]

The front chains have to be replaced if too loose. The ones off the trans, yes there's adjustment! If you find a diagram online it'll help to make sense of this: The engine and trans are bolted to a platform. The platform has three bolts through it and the frame with nuts. The platform hinges on the front bolt under the front of the engine. The other two have room to move in slots. You can see the rear bolt just behind the trans with the floor pan out, (big, long, 15/16" head and nut. There's two 3/8" bolts with 9/16" heads under this big bolt that are threaded into the frame. There is another 3rd big bolt between the engine and trans. Loosen the big middle and back bolts. Turn those smaller ones mentioned, outward, which pushes up on the sleeves on the rear big bolt. You are jacking up the rear of the platform that the engine and trans are mounted to, away from the idler shafts, tightening the chains.

Also, you see a rubber grommet on top of the trans. That's part of a dash support. So if the trans gets moved up a lot, you may have to adjust it shorter. Just eyeball across the top of the body.. not adjusted that often.

[chapy]

Thanks Roger. Not quite what I wanted to hear but I guess I will have to replace that chain. It doesn't look like a very easy place to get to. I'll order the part from the dealer and get it done. The ice is starting to melt here so I want to have it in tip top shape for my first swim.

[ygmir]

maybe you could fabricate some chain tensioners?
They're not real hard to make if you can weld........
good luck

[Roger S]

Chapy, have you got double 50 chain to the second axle, or single 60. I'm thinkin' you probably have the single on #2. Earlier models had double 50 for the primary, 1st and 2nd axle. And a 10ft length of double 50 will do those 3 on one side exactly. In case you want to buy a length of chain and cut your own. The front chain is covered up; if you get used to pulling the intake duct out of the way things are easier to work on. Under the battery is a grease zert on the idler shaft bearing..

[chapy]

I think it's a double chain that goes up to the front axel and up to the tranny. The machine is a 2000 so I guess thats an earlier machine. I'll snap some pictures today so you can take a look at it. Thanks! Seth

[xrover]

I think you will find that the bolts to loosen the platform which are located at the very front and the most difficult to get to, do not have to be loosened. We found that just loosening the front bolt gave enough pivot for the platform to raise and a tighten the chains.

[chapy]

here are some pics of the chains. hope this works

[Roger S]

I guess it's the chain between the 2nd and 3rd axle that they went to single 60. So I was saying, a 10ft length of chain will replace all the double 50 on one side of the argo. If you need that much. Also grab the idler shaft and try to move it around, checking the bearings. See what argo wants for the chain. It's about $10-$14 a ft for good chain. Shoup Manufacturing Company has good chain in 10 ft lengths, get the american made, not the import. If you spend enough, free shipping along with no sales tax. About $10.50 a ft.

[bostatv]

Chapy,
Just a suggestion for a brand of chain. I have used the Diamond brand chain for a number of years. It will generally out last most other brands of chain by at least 2 times. Have used it a long time for my commercial customers. As Roger says, a good chain will cost between $10.00 and 14.00 but will get what you pay for. Pictures appear to show signs of lack of lub. Have a great Argo Day.
Ken

[chapy]

the owner before me did slack some on the lube. really only those front chains, the rest of them seem good. Does the new chains come with master links or do I have to reuse the old? Also will chainsaw bar and chain oil work or should I use something else? I have lots of it thats why I asked.Thanks again for the help! Seth

[xrover]

New Argo chains come with the link.

[hdble]

Hi Seth,

I would use regular chain lube, such as PJ's.

[Roger S]

It's good to use a spray chain lube that won't sling off on the primary chains, otherwise it can get on the brake rotors. The other chains, whatever you want.