Bought my Argo- 2005 avenger - now have a few questions

[DerekF]

Hi all,




Finally got around to buying the Argo I wanted. Almost bought a new EFI but found a deal on a 05 Avenger with 185 hours on it that I could not refuse. Rubber tracks, ROPS,Winch,windshield, Cab,heater. Looks like it has been treated well. I confirmed it has been serviced at the dealer every 50 hours or so, so that should be a decent indicator. So far so good. It is all I hoped it would be. Climbed my wood pile today, climbed a hill of blast rock yesteday (not recommended by the way). I think it will be perfect for moose hunting in the mountains. My diablical plan us unfolding perfectly!!!

I want to make sure I can do what I can to ensure it is in top mechanical shape. Any suggestions on what to look for would be greatly appreciated. For now I do have a couple of questions:

1.Accelorator Pump/Smoke from motor. Argo told my local dealer that they have been disconnecting them as they tend to flood the motor. I notice that at times there is a very small amount of black smoke on startup, but only for split second. Have you guys noticed that also? I also was climbing a super steep incline (blast rock) and was parked idling on the slope and the motor smoked a bit when I accelerated. I chalk that up to the steep angle and a bit of oil pouring into the cylinder, but have you guys ever noticed smoke on very steep inclines?

2.New chain tensioner guides. Mine has the old style. Is the new style (with only three positions) worth it? I do notice that there is a but of chain slap from time to time. The guides are nearing replacement so I am wondering if I should upgrade.

3.Oil/grease on brakes. I noticed that there was a bit of oil/grease on the left brake disc. Previous owner said he had just had it in for service and they likely just spilt some oil on it. I have driven it a bit now and it seems to be better at turning left than before. Does Grease or oil often get on the brakes?
If so, do you keep some brake clean handy?

I know these are pretty simple questions but they are the first ones I came up with since I've had it.

[artist1018]

A handsom looking unit!! I wish you many years of trouble-free ownership!
I go by the book on maintaining my Conquest & am, so far, without any major problems. Had the dealer service it when I first got it (a gift from my bride)!
And had another dealer service it last year. I have been greasing & lubing in between. I hose it down & keep it under the carport when not in use.

[lewis]

Nice!!

Good looking ride.

I have a 06 Avenger and have had a blast with it.
Watch the tracks and axles.
They seem to have had a few problems with the hub welds. There are a few threads on this. Search for Avenger on site search and you should be able to find this info

Mine is not efi. Just could not justify the extra grand for it. My unit will throw a little black smoke on start-up in the winter, but just for a second or two. Other then that no problem. No problem on hills either. Mine only has 60 hrs.

You can clean the rotors and pads with a brake cleaner. Others on site may have a preferred brand, biggest thing to prevent this is to cover your brakes and rotors(this may take a little time but it is worth it) and don't get to over enthusiastic when greasing the chains. Spattering the brake system.

Just for info: : tie your windshield down when traveling! The factory tie downs are ok for the trails but not for the road. Have heard horror storied about windshields flying up when traveling. This is a very undesirable thing to happen.

I have heard a few bad reviews about the Avenger models but i have had very good service with mine. I think(my opinion) the reason that i haven't had some of the problems the others have had is the fact that my machine has never had tracks. This may or may not have something to do with it.

I think you have a fine looking machine and i hope you have many years of fun with it.

Take care of your machine and it will take care of you.

Lewis

[Rock Doctor]

Hi Mike
That's a good looking machine, Congrats on the purchase.
I have found that owning an Argo is truly a LOVE/HATE relationship. When they are running well, you love them. When they break down on the trail, you hate them.
I strongly recommend that you gain a good , basic knowledge of Argo mechanics. I have done my fair share of trailside fixes, from bearings and chains, to Axles, transmitions, and carbs. They don't breakdown often, but when they do you can usually fix it on the spot with a few tools and spare parts.
Don't wory about the puff of smoke, it's more than likely nothing.
Some "chain slap" is normal, and nothing to be concerned about.
A bit of oil/grease on brake disks will burn off quickly, no problem. (I use Milcot 220 oil, and apply it with a paintbrush. Argo up on blocks, chains turning. It has anti-slinging additives to help keep it on the chains) THIS SHOULD BE DONE WITH CAUTION, A LOCAL MECH JUST LOST THE ENDS OF TWO FINGERS WHILE DOING THIS, JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO.
As mentioned, brake clean will get rid of any excess, if it gets on the brake.
Some things to look at:
Check your frame, at the welds (Sometimes you will find a crack)
Block it up, and run the drivetrain- look for bent axles. Even slightly bent axles will take out bearings and seals rather quickly. (I just had to change out 2 axles last week)
Do a lift check on bearings often, including Idler shaft bearings. it only takes a minute.
Tire pressure is very important, check often.
If you don't need your tracks, TAKE THEM OFF. They are hard on axles and bearings.

All this is just my opinion
For what it's worth

RD

[xrover]

Get the new tensioners, especially with tracks. We had tremendous windup on our chains and broke 3 hubs with the tracks on. Have not had a problem since the tensioners and axles were swapped.
If you find it is harder to turn one way than another way, don't wait to check
- is there grease/oil on brake rotor
- is there even wear on the discs?
- is tire pressure consistent
If these are all fine then most likely a bearing is starting to go and better to replace it before it goes on a trail. Raise up your Argo so you can check each wheel for play. You should not be able to push/pull wheel towards the body of the Argo. If there is play there then suspect the bearing is going and start to plan to replace it.

And remember to 'listen' to your argo. It usually will tell you something about's to go. Chain slap is normal. A squeal that is not coming from the brakes is what you'll first hear when a bearing is starting o go.

[Roger S]

This Should Be Done With Caution, A Local Mech Just Lost The Ends Of Two Fingers While Doing This, Just A Few Weeks Ago

There's a tremendous amount of power delivered through the chains and sprockets with the low gearing we have. Was working on the argo once, up on blocks, doing something chain related. I touched the throttle to move a sprocket a 1/2 turn for some reason, and it ate a tool that I can't remember what it was. But I got the impression it would take off a hand without even loading the engine.

[DerekF]

Thanks guys. I am fairly familar with Argos. My father has one, we have used them before moose hunting. First Avenger though. I take a look at the bearing/hubs. That is a good idea about jacking it up. I'll do it this weekend. I might grab a couple of axles as a 'just in case'.

Took the machine out again. It was grease on the brake disc. Its good now. Black smoke is gone, I didn't think it was anything. Likely just because it has been sitting for a few months.

I'll post some pictures of my first ride out.

Derek

[DerekF]

The local dealer had an open house today. Got talking to one of the mechanics and he said they have a pile of broken 05/06 axles that they are or have changed out on their units. He said the new ones are way better and that they were "waiting to hear back from ODG". He kind of thought that they may be inclined to help out owners of the 05/06 models with weaker axles even though a machine is past warrantee. Have you guys heard anything about that? It would be nice, even if they covered parts.

[Rock Doctor]

The local dealer had an open house today. Got talking to one of the mechanics and he said they have a pile of broken 05/06 axles that they are or have changed out on their units. He said the new ones are way better and that they were "waiting to hear back from ODG". He kind of thought that they may be inclined to help out owners of the 05/06 models with weaker axles even though a machine is past warrantee. Have you guys heard anything about that? It would be nice, even if they covered parts.

I have heard rumors.
Did you see any of these axles?
Were they broken, or did the axles seperate from the hubs?

[DerekF]

I didn't see them but the mechanic said it was almost always the hub seperation that was the issue.

I plan on going down there and talking with the owner this week. He's a staight shooter and I am sure he'll tell me what he has heard. I'll pass it on.

The mechanic did say to change out the chain tensioners as the new ones are much better. How hard of a change would it be to do them all?

[AussieMax]

black smoke

Hi,
Regarding the black smoke you had, I have worked on an 05 Avenger which had issues with black smoke and flooding. The owner disconnected the accelerator pump, which made it a little better but not 100%. We found that the main jet was too big. It should be fitted with a 151 main jet as standard. We cut that back to a 137 from memory and re connected the accelerator pump. It made the engine rev crisper with no smoke and more power. The jets in the carb of the Avenger are the same as a weber carb, so they can be purchased from an auto parts shop in any size you want. Kohler won't sell jets seperately. This may help if the problem come back.

[snargo]

Argo did not make any avengers in 2005.Eiter old stock '04 or new stock 06

[AussieMax]

Avenger

Well it was one of the early avengers. I don't think it makes much difference.

[DerekF]

Is there anyway I can tell which mine is, other than phoning Argo to find out if mine is an 04 or early 06? It says 05 on the registration and bill of sale.

[DerekF]

It an early 05 from what I can tell.

I took the tracks, then tires off and checked the axles. Yep, front right and #2 right are bent. Bearings are gone on the front right side. Makes sense because it was definately more pull on that side, plus a subtle squeak. Getting parts and will fix next week.

WIth tracks off it definately steers better, and is easier on components for sure.

This leads me to another questions:

I am planning on a remote mountain hunting trip and was wondering what items you guys might take in a repair kit.


Here is what I have.

One axle
one each of every bearing/gaskets
Chain links
Spark plugs
fuel filter


Tire repair kit
Track guides



Any other obvious things I am missing?