replacing front chains

[plott hound]

so ive replaced all the drive chains on my 2 previous argo's,both with the top body removed.was a really easy job.now im in the midst of replacing the front chains in my HDI without the body separated.ive got one old chain removed and one new chain stuck between the sprocket and the lower body.how in the heck do you get this job done easily?got to be an easy way to get this job done.

cheers

[JohnF]

Pay ARGOJIM.

[plott hound]

at this point,gladly.whats the going rate for a service call? lol

Pay ARGOJIM.

[JohnF]

LOL - probably just went up.

I'm guessing that the problem is the chain bunches into a pile when you try and get it to thread through the tunnel. (assuming the HDI is similar to a conquest - which I would have no idea)
I also assume that you were able to get to the master links so there is a bit of space where you can function.

It is much easier to pull chain through than push it. I think if you would have pulled a bit of string or light rope as you pulled the chain out you could use it to pull the new chain in. I would try and get some string/rope up around the front axle to help me get the chain up there.

I've made some assumptions of the problem so I should ask: what seems to be the problem?

[plott hound]

your assuptions are correctamundo sir.biggest obstacles today are being fat,having a sore foot plus a real bad cold lol.the string idea sounds ok and maybe a coat hanger to snag an end.was hoping there was a magical procedure to this task.

cheers

LOL - probably just went up.

I'm guessing that the problem is the chain bunches into a pile when you try and get it to thread through the tunnel. (assuming the HDI is similar to a conquest - which I would have no idea)
I also assume that you were able to get to the master links so there is a bit of space where you can function.

It is much easier to pull chain through than push it. I think if you would have pulled a bit of string or light rope as you pulled the chain out you could use it to pull the new chain in. I would try and get some string/rope up around the front axle to help me get the chain up there.

I've made some assumptions of the problem so I should ask: what seems to be the problem?

[SHOTGUN]

Got another quick tip for you, when installing the link in the chain, use a good zip tie or two to hold the two ends together. Then if you need to take a break or turn the tires to get more slack in the chain, the zip tie will hold or keep tightening until the link slips right in. Worked very well for me, hope it helps you!!!

[Dan67]

Got another quick tip for you, when installing the link in the chain, use a good zip tie or two to hold the two ends together. Then if you need to take a break or turn the tires to get more slack in the chain, the zip tie will hold or keep tightening until the link slips right in. Worked very well for me, hope it helps you!!!

It is even a pain for this fat guy. Re-chained the conquest this winter. Zip ties are very helpful, zip tie the end of the chain together and use the long tail as a handle to pull the chain around. I usually get my daughter to turn the tire to help feed chain. To join the chain i use two long screwdrivers and put them in an x to pull chain tight. Can easily push in a master link by hand.

[plott hound]

thanks guys,got the chain unstuck and a zip tie on.been trying to get my modified vice grips locked on but that's real tough to do.gotta leave it alone for the night before I lose my crap.imagine doing that in the bush with your azz hanging out getting chewed by skitter bugs? there would be a fire for sure.

[glen1971]

I used a length of hay wire looped through the links on the back end, after splitting the master link and pull it out from the bottom, behind the drive gear.. As I have always left my tracks on, I just get my son to slowly move it forward to feed it off the front sprocket.. We take our time and make sure nothing is binding.. So far it's worked like a charm..

[ARGOJIM]

so ive replaced all the drive chains on my 2 previous argo's,both with the top body removed.was a really easy job.now im in the midst of replacing the front chains in my HDI without the body separated.ive got one old chain removed and one new chain stuck between the sprocket and the lower body.how in the heck do you get this job done easily?got to be an easy way to get this job done.

cheers

Sorry plott haven't been following this, a pointer for next time; dab of grease on the sprocket, chain on, hold it up/back a tad to guide it, roll tire quick and it should come around and hit the chain again, lay it on the bottom keeping stretched ,and using screwdriver or fingers, slide it back just past idler and pick it up/over idler (keeping stretched while rolling tire). Now it's close to connectable and un-bunched, this is harder with tracks and the side you're working on should be jacked up.

[plott hound]

thanks again for the pointers guys.ive got the chain over the sprockets and the master link started,this chain is real tight.its only slightly shorter then the old one but boy its snug.have the vicegrips snapped on and a chain puller so gonna leave it like that overnight.should the new chain be that tight?dont remember it being that way when I rechained the conquest,and its the same chain.

[Noel Woods]

I have a Fenner Drives chain puller that has always got me through the toughest chain replacements, but its never something I look forward to.

[Dan67]

thanks again for the pointers guys.ive got the chain over the sprockets and the master link started,this chain is real tight.its only slightly shorter then the old one but boy its snug.have the vicegrips snapped on and a chain puller so gonna leave it like that overnight.should the new chain be that tight?dont remember it being that way when I rechained the conquest,and its the same chain.

When I redid my conquest this past fall it was very tight too.. supposed to be that way. Don't forget to use a quality chain lube. I had my daughter slowly turn a tire as i lubed each chain.

[Rudy_Magnum]

I've always used the old chain to lead the new chain in and around on any of my bikes. I always thought the same method could be used on an Argo too. Once your chain is split, hook end of new chain on end of old chain and pull it through. Easy.

[plott hound]

got it all figured out,could not leave it alone till I did lol.removed tracks and jack the machine up,that way the tire can be turned to take up the chain slack.also buy good master links with the easy to install keepers.had some crappy morse masters here with plain jane keepers that are impossible for me to install.new tsubaki master links are real slick.