New to me 8x8 looking for advice.

[Craig_B]

New to me 8X8

The introduction thread appears to be Closed so I will just post here instead.
I have been a member here for a while. I have a 1963 Pengor Penguin that I am still working on refurbishing.

I just purchased a 1983 Argo TB 8X8.
So I figure since the Penguin is only 4 wheels and the Argo is 8 they average out to a 6X6.

The new to me Argo came with a set of tracks.
Looks like 4 of the 8 tires will need to be replaced.
Otherwise other than a good clean up and some minor repairs it seems ready to go.

The steering method is going to take some time to get used to.



Ok fellas here is my first of probably many questions.
My first time out on it yesterday for a test drive I hear a horrible snapping sound whenever turning either direction.
This was followed by the chain under the seat on the right hand side breaking. Luckily the Argo came with a few spare parts. I reassembled the chain and got it back to the cottage.
Is there a way to increase the tension on the chains? Looks like all it has are two nylon blocks on a spring to hold tension.
I assume a slack chain is what caused the breakage.
If the chain(s) need to be replaced can anyone tell me what chain is used and what lengths? It is a single chain on the drive wheels.

Second not as important a question is what is the best terrain to use the tracks and what is the worst? Will they work in water?

Thanks

[scimanstev]

I am new to Argos myself, and won't actually receive mine until October, but one thing I do know, is that the tracks you have pictured will not work in water. You will just sit there with wheels and tracks churning water. Those tracks will handle most terrain, but other third party tracks would be better suited for swimming or climbing steep terrain. The will work somewhat in mud, but other more suitable options are available. Up to this point, much of my knowledge has been gained from watching thousands of videos, and I am a bit weak on actual experience.

Steve

[glen1971]

Take the chain to a parts store such as Napa. If you have 2 different styles, then take one of each there. They can tell you the pitch of the chain. Then I'd buy a couple of boxes of it and replace them yourself. If you count the links that is more accurate than measuring them due to chain stretch. To cut the links, you can use an angle grinder and punch or a chain splitter. That is all assuming that they were replaced before with the same length as the original.
Do you have the manual for this one? If not, do some online searching for your make and year. If online can't help get ahold of ODG directly and see if they can help you with a manual. It's a good idea to keep a few master links for spares in your tool box.
Are the sprockets in good shape or do they need to be replaced too?

I leave my tracks on year round as they take up no room that way in storage. When I get where I'm going, if it is really dry I take them off. Snow, mud and muskeg are where I run mine with the tracks.

[Craig_B]

Take the chain to a parts store such as Napa. If you have 2 different styles, then take one of each there. They can tell you the pitch of the chain. Then I'd buy a couple of boxes of it and replace them yourself. If you count the links that is more accurate than measuring them due to chain stretch. To cut the links, you can use an angle grinder and punch or a chain splitter. That is all assuming that they were replaced before with the same length as the original.
Do you have the manual for this one? If not, do some online searching for your make and year. If online can't help get ahold of ODG directly and see if they can help you with a manual. It's a good idea to keep a few master links for spares in your tool box.
Are the sprockets in good shape or do they need to be replaced too?

I leave my tracks on year round as they take up no room that way in storage. When I get where I'm going, if it is really dry I take them off. Snow, mud and muskeg are where I run mine with the tracks.

I do have a manual but it constantly refers to double chains which I do not have.
Lets hope the chains on the machine are the proper type. There is a place in the next town over that sells chain. I will take the one off and get them to match it.
Do you know approximately how much deflection these chains normally have, just to rule out the possibility that the PO put the wrong length on.

Thanks for the advice on the tracks. I think I will keep them for snow use only.

[glen1971]

Are any of your sprockets for a double roller chain? On mine there are a couple of doubles from the main drive shaft to the front tires and from the same shaft back to the second set of tires...

I think this is the manual for your machine:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6dar38RLIxAeTFoaGdRTk9wOGc/view

From what I can tell:
Normal idler chain deflection: 1/8".
Max wear on the chain tensioner block: 1/4"
Max drive chain deflection: 1/2"

For your chain lengths try page 30 and 31 on:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6dar38RLIxAb2Jzb3FIUnVJUGM/view

That looks like the parts manual for you unit. It will help you determine if there has been any changes to the drive chain system..

If these aren't right, you can look more here:
Argo 1970 - 1994 8x8 Manuals

[Craig_B]

Awesome. Thanks that should help.

[ARGOJIM]

I do have a manual but it constantly refers to double chains which I do not have.

The double chains are on the HTB, counts should be the same for the TB except perhaps the trans chains.

[Craig_B]

So I checked out chains more closely this weekend.
Sure looks to me like they need replacing.
Most of the rear chains are touching the cross bars between the sprockets.





I think the sprockets have some wear but hoping I can put off their replacement for the time being.



What do you think?

Also found considerable play on the one wheel bearing that had the chain break. And two others that dont feel good.
To replace the bearings is it just a matter of removing the axles and then unbolting the bearing carriers?

[curtisbyrne]

chain is worn,sprocket is close to dead but still something there!
remove the 4 nuts and lock washers then undue the inner bearing locking collar then pull the axle out,you can then get better aces to the outer bearing for examination and/or replacement!

[curtisbyrne]

would be nice to clean all the grease out of that tub too be the way!

[Craig_B]

would be nice to clean all the grease out of that tub too be the way!

Definitely. A big jug of de-greaser and a brush are on the list.

I have the pinned axles. Pretty much the same procedure? Just bang out pins first?

Thanks

[Craig_B]

Cleaned the tub and lubed the chains.

Before:
After:

During that process I noticed this anomaly. Any ideas on what caused it? I know my chains need replacing. Hope to have that done soon.


I also attempted to install a "half link" to temporarily tension up those chains but then I could not get the ends to meet and I was using the appropriate "Special Tool." Did I do it wrong or do I just not have enough stretch for one to work?

Thanks

[Mike]

That is one clean tub! What did you use to clean it? For the chains, don't half link them. It will be fine on a temporary basis but if you leave it like that, you will wear out the sprockets much quicker. You should just plan on replacing the chain. For the bent chain, there's no telling what caused that. Most likely something was dropped/left in the tub and it fount its way wedged under the chain.

[ARGOJIM]

Cleaned the tub and lubed the chains.

Before:
After:

During that process I noticed this anomaly. Any ideas on what caused it? I know my chains need replacing. Hope to have that done soon.


I also attempted to install a "half link" to temporarily tension up those chains but then I could not get the ends to meet and I was using the appropriate "Special Tool." Did I do it wrong or do I just not have enough stretch for one to work?

Thanks

Dang it, did a whole thing and lost it.
Replace the chains, a half link should never fit in a correct length chain, the picture looks as if a chain breaker was used and it actually broke the chain. Happens now and again. Or as Mike wrote maybe it ran over something, check for broken sprocket tooth.

[Craig_B]

That is one clean tub! What did you use to clean it?

A can of automotive engine shampoo and a pressure washer.

Speaking of chains are the ones made by Koch any good?

Thanks