Bigfoot oil change tips?

[derekhonda]

Hey guys. Bought my machine with 68 hours, just rolled over 82 this past weekend. I usually change the oil and go completely over a machine when i first buy it (learned that lesson the hard way when i bought a 400ex and the previous owner must have forgotten to tighten some bolts that hold a wheel on ) but with argos they are such a pain in the butt to change the oil. Anyways, what all should i do, oil and air is obvious, bearings and chains are greased, but anything else (trans fluid?)

Also, I read on here somewhere that there is an easier way to change the oil, like a tool that will suck the oil out right where you put it in. Whats it called and where can i get one?

Geez I just keep thinking of more and more questions!

What type of oil and filter also!?

Thanks!

Oh it is a 2003 bigfoot if that makes a difference.

[bearclaw46]

oil extractor





I bought one just like this and used it for the first time last weekend. It works like a charm. I pumped it a few times and the oil came flowing out into the reservoir. Took about 5 minutes to get it all out but it's way cool and no mess either.

I got mine at Carquest here in Anchorage. Was like $70.00 but worth it in the long run. My Argo dealer recommended it highly.

Dennis

[derekhonda]

Think something like this would work? What kind of oil do you use?

NEW DELUXE SYPHON SIPHON PUMP TOOL PUMP OIL EXTRACTOR - eBay (item 330257430592 end time Aug-01-08 12:20:51 PDT)

[bearclaw46]

Derek

Derek,didn't see your question about what oil and filter. I bought my filter thru my Argo dealer. It was a Briggs & Stratton oil filter. Cost me $13.00. Also, the dealer mechanic and owner told me to use any quality 10w30 oil API rating SJ or higher. Use any other weight and they don't run right, so said they. Don't know if that's true or not but they oughta know and I wasn't going to experiment with anything diff. I used Pennzoil, which I've been using since the 60's. The can I had had an SL rating but I understand now the new SM rating is a bit better but SL is higher than SJ so it'll get er done.

Dennis

[bearclaw46]

Siphon

Derek, that would probably work but the problem is the hose may be too thick. The pump I had (as pictured) had 3 diff diameters of hose and the one in the middle fit it. You have to put the hose in the dipstick hole to get it to the sump and that hole is NOT very big. Hope this helps.
Dennis

[doccerny]

I think Napa sells one that looks alot like a metal grease gun. It will pull out a quart of oil with one stroke. If the hose is too big, just put a smaller diameter extesion tube onto the stock hose. I just gorilla taped on a long straw ...worked perfect.

[doccerny]

I could'nt find the old metal Napa one online, but this is the best cheap one I could find. Pela 4-Stroke Outboard Oil Extractor - PL2000 - eAngler.com

[derekhonda]

Thanks guys I will find something to use. What about other fluids, anything else need changed when getting close to the 100 hour mark?

[yellowargo]

The siphon on EBay is not very good. I bought mine at walmart(the exact model) and it did not suck! I mean it did but not with out some cursing and more effort than it was worth. I bought a metal one and it was the same. I think you get what you pay for. I am wanting to step up to the 75$ range and for that kinda money it has to be good. I hope.

[Rock Doctor]

Hey Derek

I do alot of greasy/oily work, so I have a shop Vac dedicated to "icky" stuff. I just set the end of the vac hose by the oil drain and pull the plug. Not a drop of oil will hit the bottom of your Argo. You can do the same with the trans oil.
I use synthetic 10w30 in the engine, 80-90 gear oil in the trans.
I use Millcot 220 oil for the chains. (It has anti-slinging aditives in it to keep it on the chains)
Oil your idler chains about twice as often as your axle chains.

Things to check: Yours is pretty new, so I don't imagine you will have to many issues)
Axle brngs
Idler chain tension
Axle sprocket set screws
Chain tensioner wear pads
Check for bent axles (even a slightly bent axle will take out brngs and seals pretty fast)
Fuel filter
Tire pressure (Very important)
spark plugs

Its a good idea to cary some spare parts, like governor springs, drive chain, axle brng/seals, chain breaker/master links, body plugs, tire plug kit, air compressor, spark plugs, HAND CLEANER, ect.


Whenever you do maintenance, you should keep track of any tools you use, and put togeather a tool box to keep in the Argo. They don't break down often on the trail, but when they do it's nice to be able to fix it on the spot.

I tend to get a little carried away about parts and tools, but then I tend to be the guy doing the fixing when someones machine breaks down on the trail

RD

[McCoy]

I bought an extractor @ Tractor Supply and it ran me about 40 bucks. It has an 8 quart capacity and works great. Greasmonkey has a picture of it in one of his posts.

McCoy

[boodog]

The previous owner of my rig has a brass fitting and a 6 inch rubber hose on the drain plug. It helped but you've still got to contort yourself to get at it. I also bought a Briggs filter from the Argo dealer but realized that he had a Napa filter in it.