1991 (I think) Argo Magnum 8x8 Questions

[Gruffy]

I am new to the aatv deal, and have gotten into it as I got a great price on a magnum. The magnum has only 89 hours on the meter and was stored indoors on a shelf (literally) in the storage warehouse of a company that services and installs electrical grids. They finally cleared out old equipment and this thing came up for sale.

My question is what should I do to service it and what should I be looking out for on an older unit. I have already begun a bit of a tear-down on it to clean and service it.

**edit** my i.age did not work. How much play should i feel in the bearings when pulling around on the axle with no tires? Also, is there a cheaper alternative to the $20 argo grease seals? I come from Aviation where things are expensive, but even the aviation seals i have dealt with havent cost this much

[curtisbyrne]

if the bearings are new you shouldent feel any play.lets see the new magnum u have there eh?

[Gruffy]

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG]<a href="http://s350.photobucket.com/user/rcpaessler/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160714_182454_zpslzweq85e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q440/rcpaessler/Mobile%20Uploads/20160714_182454_zpslzweq85e.jpg" border="0" alt="In progress photo 20160714_182454_zpslzweq85e.jpg"/></a>[/IMG]

[Gruffy]

The outer bearing i can feel a slight amount of play in. The outer zerk fittings are dry, and the interior where greased to kingdom come. They have 2 full time mechanics that supposedly serviced it. It has almost no corrosion to speak of, and does only show limited use. The idler chains have around an inch of play and are extremely out of adjustment.

The owner stated the last time they used it was in a swamp ferrying workers out to a site. With no grease the outer bearings may have held water during storage.[IMG]<a href="http://s350.photobucket.com/user/rcpaessler/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160714_182454_zpslzweq85e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q440/rcpaessler/Mobile%20Uploads/20160714_182454_zpslzweq85e.jpg" border="0" alt="In progress photo 20160714_182454_zpslzweq85e.jpg"/></a>[/IMG]

[curtisbyrne]

Only 89 hours. Your chains should all be good in fact for another 100 plus hours.they probably need adjusting.or maybe it was used hard and hauled a lot of weight and really wore the machine down. Just get new bearings,there not to expensive but send the pics of chains as well!

[Gruffy]

Here are the rear chains. I pulled them today and they appear to be in good shape. They used grease on them, so i am going to clean them and put some foaming chain oil with moly back on em. So how does one go about adjusting them? Cutting links? My chain tensioners appear to be riding on an angle on the chains and they are contacting the frame. I know the idler chains are adjuted by raising the power pack frame. I am very excited about this guy and cant wait to use it during hunting season!

Bearings.... i looked up on the forum here where they listed buffalo bearing part numbers, and i have printed every parts/service manual i can find. Is there a non argo replacement for the grease seals?

[IMG][/IMG]

[curtisbyrne]

Ok when there in make sure they are tight if not we'll send a pic to see how loose

[Gruffy]

Okay, the tear down has gone pretty far. I have everything out except the powerpack/frame. The company I bought it from was less sophisticated than previously thought regarding its maintenance program. I think it went something like this:

1) Can you reach it?
2) No, disregard MX
3) Yes, apply a large amount of white lithium grease
-End-

So I have discovered that the front chains were run dry and are completely gone. They calculate out to around 8% of wear. All of my chains are 50-2 chains, but what about the length? I see the 40p, 96p, but I am assuming this is the length (plates?) is this a correct assumption?

[Stoneyridgeboy]

"1) Can you reach it?
2) No, disregard MX
3) Yes, apply a large amount of white lithium grease
-End-"

[Canadian_Zuk]

So how does one go about adjusting them? Cutting links?

No, do not remove links or use 1/2 links. Replace the chain if its stretched.

So I have discovered that the front chains were run dry and are completely gone. They calculate out to around 8% of wear. All of my chains are 50-2 chains, but what about the length? I see the 40p, 96p, but I am assuming this is the length (plates?) is this a correct assumption?

Yes, "P" indicates the number of plates (or length) of the chain. You can buy Argo chains that are already the correct length from Argo or buy your chain in 10 foot rolls from any suplier you like. Avoid cheap chinese made chain and look for USA made or even better is Japanese chain like Tsubaki.

Edit: Not sure if hot linking is allowed but here's a link for reference. Argo Atv Drive Chains and Master Links

[Gruffy]

Thank you. I just ordered 100 ft of usa chain. 25 dollars on amaxon.... i have no idea if it will ever ship though.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009D7CHYS/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Canadian_Zuk]

WOW! I have never seen chain that cheap lol. The last time I bought some cheap chinese 50-2 chain it was more than double that price for only a 10' roll.

[Kris W]

First off, welcome ! Congratulations on joining the "Argo army" , to be honest With only 89 hours on the machine, the chains were probably fine the way they were. But since you've already ordered them I guess put new on.. I'd keep your old chains though because when the new ones wear out 200 + hrs from now, ( sooner if they're cheaply made) you will be happy you still have em' that's a nice machine you got there ! Its praticaly brand new ! I'd trade my "left one" to knock 500 hours off my machine ! LOL Best of luck, you're in the right place to find answers to any question !

[Rudy_Magnum]

This chain interests me. Says it's shipped from and sold by Amazon, so likely at least halfway legit. I have half a mind to order up a bunch for my Magnum.

[hydromike]

I'd suggest putting the order in just in case, but I wouldn't hold your breath on it ever shipping. Amazon lets 3rd party sellers (and themselves) cancel orders for pricing errors. There was a screaming deal on Interco Vampires a few years back for something like $29/ea. Some of us ordered a bunch but they eventually just cancelled each and every order because of the pricing error.

Not to be Debbie Downer about it... Go for it and see if it works!