New Argo owner... of old Argo...

[Vance in AK]

Well it looks like I bought my first Argo. A friend checked it out for me & sent me the pics below. Said it looks sound just needs some TLC... It has a few parts that need replaced but the owner has the new parts & just never put them on. He bought a couple of new 4 wheelers a few years back & just parked this. All 8 tires still have air. Not sure of the year. He bought it new in the 80s. Said its a 17hp Kohler & has the double drive chains, hydraulic brakes, pinned sprockets(). BUT, the price is right! Let's just say it was cheaper than the new toilet installed in the house yesterday!
Can anyone give me an approximate year & model?
No doubt I will be picking your brains plenty as I go through it & get it ready for moose hunting.



[ATTACH]Our Argo 1.jpg[/ATTACH]

[Mike]

Hi Vance, welcome to the forum. I'm not any help on identifying the year but I'm sure someone here will be able to help.

[ARGOJIM]

Hey Vance, congrats on new machine, If I had to guess I'd imagine near 83-85 as the sticks are up higher.

[Vance in AK]

Thanks guys.
I should get it home Saturday. Is there a place I can look up the serial # to make sure of the year?

[ARGOJIM]

May still be a tag on the firewall then, if not center of dash? KB model?

[Vance in AK]

Ill look for the data plate & serial # when I pick it up. Providing the data plate is still present is there a place I can look the serial # up to find out the year of manufacture?

[Rusty-Gunn]

Are you the handgun hunter from that handgun hunter site? I recognize your name. Welcome to 6x6world.com
I used to prefer to purchase Argo pthearts from Argo Adventure | Argo Atv | Argo Parts
Cheaper than Anchorage.

[philipatmaxfour]

Ill look for the data plate & serial # when I pick it up. Providing the data plate is still present is there a place I can look the serial # up to find out the year of manufacture?

I think there is a thread on this site where members list their serial numbers and year of mfg. but I forget whether that is for Argo machines or Max machines. I know that Argo will answer your question if you contact them directly.

[Rusty-Gunn]

The serial number thread is for Max aatvs.

[Vance in AK]

Got my project Argo home. What have I got?

So I got her home. I think I have my $250 worth & maybe some change
There are no #s on the firewall or anywhere else I can find. Old owner said he thought early 80s? Sound right?
Kohler 17hp
Was converted to short brake sticks
Hasn't been started in years but engine was free & oil was clean (same in tranny). I pulled the plugs & put some WD-40 in both cylinders & let it sit a while & then turned it by hand. Engine turned freely (says it was running fine when he parked it).
He said he replaced the driven clutch with an aftermarket recommended by the Argo dealer & it wouldn't work with the drive clutch so he quit messing with it. He couldn't remember what the issue was. Hopefully the pic will show up with driven clutch & you all can give me some ideas. Had a ton of grease & sludge in the bottom of the tub but I got it cleaned out.
I know I will need tires. Any idea what the biggest tires that will fit are (8" rims)?
Probably need chains, but not sure yet.

[Vance in AK]

Couple more. I appreciate any help you guys can give. What did they call these models? Will get the fuel tank out & cleaned this week, get a battery in it, & hopefully get it running. Then I'll know where things really stand :-) I do have the firewall, hood, & floor liners.

[Hubcap]

Gday , I'm no expert but my project chains were hitting the chassis rails and springs on tensioners were not stretched.that's how I figured I needed new chains. Your secondery clutch looks like mine of a 1996 conquest. Looks pretty clean. I would take chains off and give them a clean if they are not strecthed . Then you will no for sure your condition of bearings. I thought only one of my bearings were gone till I took the chains off.cheers

[mountaingoat]

That looks a little like mine. Mine is an 80's IC with dual 50 roller chains and a kohler m18.

Check all your bearings as well as the chains. I had to replace all my bearings and ended up making all new axles. The sprockets on my unit are pined to the shafts.

Yours looks good. Congrats!!

[Andyman]

Cool project you have there

[Vance in AK]

Thanks guys!
I started another thread so I will post all new info there.
Rusty-Gun, yup that's me! Haven't been playing with the handgun at all this spring. My wife got me a new Ruger Guide Gun in 375 Ruger for our 25th anniversary & I am ion love with that gun (her too...)! I'm thinking that's going to be my new do-all tool. That & the Argo :-)