Argo Beachlauncher

[ridgepatrol]

Hello everyone.

I have a 8 X 8 Argo based, beach launch vehicle.

I know it's not what is normally discussed on this forum, but the entire drivetrain utilizes Argo components, so I would assume that common issues with Argo ATVs would apply to this machine.

I have been experiencing some transmission issues with this machine.

While traveling uphill, in either forward or reverse the transmission seems to slip, and at this time, there is a screeching type sound that seems to come from the transmission area. After the screech, the machine shakes, as though the transmission either slipped or something was binding it up and then released.

This slippage also occurs when the right-side brake is applied.

Because the machine is used to launch a boat, it always travels in a straight line, along the same pathway. I have determined that the slipping occurs at the same location on the pathway, leading me to believe it may be a chain or transmission issue.

I have been told by 3 different Argo mechanics that it could be a sprocket, a chain, a bearing, or possibly the transmission.

Does anyone have any knowledge of this machine, or can you provide any Argo related advice for my problem.

I have included some pics for reference.

Thanks in advance,
Matt.

[Canadian_Zuk]

screeching sounds along with "slipping" would normally be the drive belt from the motor to the transmission. Does this rig have a CVT on it?

[philipatmaxfour]

Argo beach launcher

Ridgepatrol ,as in the previous reply all Argo machines have a cvt driven by a belt from the engine. Your pics are great for helping us to see what the machine is but if you could take pics of the parts that you feel may be the problem we could offer you our combined opinion. ie: sprockets-are the teeth chipped or missing or misaligned, chains: are they loose, dry,stretched,rusted, drive belt: wrong belt ?, worn too narrow,shredding, Trans,: oil level correct? ever been changed? Send some pics. we may get lucky. Good luck

[liflod]

Lift all the wheels off the ground and rotate them by hand. Listen and feel for any binding. Wiggle the wheels and check for bad bearings.
You can also run the engine with the wheels off the ground and see what's going on with it.

[ridgepatrol]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

I will get some pictures of the engine and transmission this weekend.

Yes it does have a CVT with a centrifugal clutch set up.

The engine is a B&S Vanguard 13HP, and the Argo transmission has a model number of 610-18G, which after checking the Argo website has been superseded by a new model 610-18GP.

The chain system is all contained within the tubing, which makes accessing it a real PITA.

The screeching sound is more metal on metal, as opposed to a belt slippage issue, and it seems to effect all four right side wheels independently of the left side wheels.

Thanks,
Matt.

[liflod]

How does the chain get lubricated?
How does water get in or out of the square tubing?

[ridgepatrol]

There are 5 access points along each side of the trailer frame. Each is about 12" X 8".

So, you can lubricate the chain and adjust the tensioners from there.

The trailer tubing is sealed with gaskets and marine type twist plugs to drain any water that gets in.

The tires are loaded to prevent the whole thing from floating.

[ARGOJIM]

A quick look at the trans to jackshaft tension could reveal a possible culprit, you want them to be just under taught with some deflection. If that is good keep moving outward starting with a physical look at the bearings if chains are good, if loose try to wiggle the jackshafts to check the bearing wear.

[ridgepatrol]

2016-10-28_13-16-42_402.jpg2016-10-28_13-17-24_776.jpg2016-10-28_13-17-53_585.jpg2016-10-28_13-18-15_140.jpg2016-10-28_13-18-43_226.jpgOk, I got some pictures of the engine and transmission today.

I like the idea of working from the transmission outward, to look for problem bearings, sprockets, or chains.

I also like the idea, that it may be the belt, so I will be replacing that first, since I do not know the age, and it's the easiest and cheapest to fix.

Thanks,
Matt.

[ridgepatrol]

2016-10-28_13-18-57_664.jpg2016-10-28_13-19-18_200.jpg2016-10-28_13-20-29_432.jpg2016-10-28_13-20-39_202.jpg2016-10-28_13-20-52_155.jpgSome more pictures.

[ridgepatrol]

2016-10-28_13-21-18_376.jpg2016-10-28_13-22-11_702.jpgAnd two more pics.

Hopefully this satisfies all who wanted pictures of the machine.

Any suggestions for what might be wrong would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,

Matt.

[Mike]

Looking at the first picture in the last post of yours, the clutches look like they do not line up. Is that just the photo angle or is the belt angled from one CVT to the other?

[curtisbyrne]

belt looks a little worn too.notice how its sunk into the secondary a bit

[ARGOJIM]

First thing I would do is run it with the engine cover off, If it is within you vision range, operate the machine and listen and then watch if you think you hear it up top. If not up top, a second set of eyes and a person down low one wheel/Chain at a time should locate your issue.
The belt does look worn and glazed (squeal) and I think I'm seeing worn brake pads ( also rotors slightly rusted but look to be cleaning up), the pistons look like they are out pretty good. Brake disc sprockets look good so money saved.

If your noise is up top and you can physically See one drive not working, I'd remove the brake disc to check for broken keys.

[Noel Woods]

Looks like the clutches are aligned but the angle of the digitals makes it look askew.
I agree with ArgoJim on the additional diagnostics. I suspect there is a bearing and or chain issue in there.