When to replace chains?

[Paulgo]

Bought a 1995 Argo Vanguard II 6x6 over the winter. Have the tracks off and am giving the drive train a going through. Know I need to replace some bearings and seals --although not totally sure which ones-- along with one outer flange. May also have to replace some chain. The book isn't very clear on how much stretch/slack is acceptable-- especially when it comes to the front 2 chains that don't have tensioners or adjustments. Am thinking the idler chains look okay, but will probably go ahead and buy some new main chain. Would appreciate advice and links to best deals on bearings, seals, chain, etc. Am also curious about the two wood blocks that the mid chains ride on. Odd design, but appears to work well. Paul

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[AlaskaGrizzly]

Replace rusty chains and clean up the ones that are not rusted and re-lube them is my recommendation. But you might be able just clean the rusty ones and lube them too You might be able to get some chain stretch guidelines from chain manufactures websites. I think its a #50 double chain between the axles.

The wood blocks are not a argo item. Look up argo part # 606-42. They should be the ones that clip over the frame to protect it. 1 1/4" square tube is what they are designed for and I think that might the frame size you have under those blocks. Just paid $7.47 each for some.

Looks like you have some decent access to the front inner bearings with that Vanguard engine. Much more than what I'm used to on the Kawasawki 20HP in the Conquest and the Kohlers in the Avengers. That's nice!!

[john swenson]

paulgo...i've bought good quality roller chain from '' u.s.a. '' roller chain co. it's not the cheap stuff , but good prices . lots of folks use '' buffalo bearings '' for the bearings , etc. good luck on your rebuild. johnboy va.

[Paulgo]

Hey guys, thanks for the input!

The wood blocks, that my mid chains rest on, appear to be OEM. You can see one side just behind the battery mount in that ^^^ original post. Book shows nothing that I can find about them or # 606-42 slides. Maybe the nylon slides came later? I wonder if they are meant to slip over the wood blocks for my machine? Not sure how or where to use them. Hoping someone with an argo from my era chimes in with some input on this.

The amount of chain stretch has me worried. Anybody know how much is too much? Book mentions using a half link to help take up the slack. Yes?

My sprockets appear to be in good condition and I want to do my best to keep them that way. Too much slack in the chain can't be good for them. If I buy new chain, is it okay to use new chain on old sprockets-- or will that cause premature wear? I saw mention of swapping sprockets from one axle to the opposing axle so that they are now wearing on the reverse side. Anyone done that?

Book says there is no drive belt adjustment and to replace when it is 1 5/16" wide. Mine is a hair over that. How wide are they new?

The rear chain adjusters are under that gas tank. Do I pull the seat, tool box, and gas tank or just struggle with them as it sets?

Thanks again for all the help! Paul

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[AlaskaGrizzly]

I believe guards part #606-42 showed up in the early 2000 conquests. I can't remember for sure but I think my 2003 had them and my 2000 did not. I bought them and put them on the one that did not have them. They won't go over the wood. They clip onto 1 1/4" square tubing.

#50-2 Chain Specs:
Chain Size: #50-2
•Tensile Strength: 13,200lbs
•Pitch (P): 0.625"
•Roller Width (W): 0.375"
•Roller Diameter (R): 0.400"
•Overall Chain Width (F): 1.504"
•Link Plate Height (H): 0.594"
•Link Plate Thickness (T): 0.079"
•Pin Diameter (D): 0.200"
•Specifications Met: ANSI Standards

Pitch is your distance between pins. There is a stretch check that can be done but I don't know the limits so I can't advise how much is too much. Lay out your chain on a flat surface. Pull it out and measure distance for 20 pins. 20 pins X 0.625" = 12.5". Your measurement will give you an idea on how much your chains have stretched.

I have put new chain on used gears with no problem. Ran that rig for 7-8 years.

[ARGOJIM]

If when machine is jacked up chains or tensioners touch, replace them. A simple check when jacked is rolling tires starting with front, ideally or new chains should have no lag, wore chains can show as much as a half tire rotation difference fro front to rear.
Chains with tracks full time seem to last 150-250 hours before replacement is due and 300-400 on tires, unless you think they have been replaced on a new to me machine i like to start with new bearings and chains for years of trouble free driving.
The wood blocks though not stock should work fine though i doubt you'll get a new chain on.

[Paulgo]

Thank you! I will reply to both of you tomorrow. Just wanted to get this out there now. I am shopping for rolls of the RC50-2 chain. Lots of different prices. Only difference I can see in the chains is tensile strength. Any advice as to how I judge what is proper chain quality for my Argo?

Thanks again, Paul

[Craig_B]

Not sure what they are or if they are OEM but I have a 1983 Argo and no wooden blocks used back then on mine.
.

[Paulgo]

paulgo...i've bought good quality roller chain from '' u.s.a. '' roller chain co. it's not the cheap stuff , but good prices . lots of folks use '' buffalo bearings '' for the bearings , etc. good luck on your rebuild. johnboy va.

Just had a frustrating phone conversation with USA. "We don't sell chain for motorized vehicles." I then explained that others have bought chain there for their Argos and he didn't know which 50-2 to recommend. Buffalo Bearings, on the other hand, was great. Knew exactly which bearings I needed and at a great price. Paul

[Paulgo]

I believe guards part #606-42 showed up in the early 2000 conquests. I can't remember for sure but I think my 2003 had them and my 2000 did not. I bought them and put them on the one that did not have them. They won't go over the wood. They clip onto 1 1/4" square tubing.

#50-2 Chain Specs:
Chain Size: #50-2
•Tensile Strength: 13,200lbs
•Pitch (P): 0.625"
•Roller Width (W): 0.375"
•Roller Diameter (R): 0.400"
•Overall Chain Width (F): 1.504"
•Link Plate Height (H): 0.594"
•Link Plate Thickness (T): 0.079"
•Pin Diameter (D): 0.200"
•Specifications Met: ANSI Standards

Pitch is your distance between pins. There is a stretch check that can be done but I don't know the limits so I can't advise how much is too much. Lay out your chain on a flat surface. Pull it out and measure distance for 20 pins. 20 pins X 0.625" = 12.5". Your measurement will give you an idea on how much your chains have stretched.

I have put new chain on used gears with no problem. Ran that rig for 7-8 years.

Thank you again! I'm learning a lot from you and really appreciate the help. Out of curiosity, have you used aftermarket 50-2 roller chain? If so, is there a specific brand and model number you'd recommend? Paul

[Paulgo]

If when machine is jacked up chains or tensioners touch, replace them. A simple check when jacked is rolling tires starting with front, ideally or new chains should have no lag, wore chains can show as much as a half tire rotation difference fro front to rear.
Chains with tracks full time seem to last 150-250 hours before replacement is due and 300-400 on tires, unless you think they have been replaced on a new to me machine i like to start with new bearings and chains for years of trouble free driving.
The wood blocks though not stock should work fine though i doubt you'll get a new chain on.

Thank you! Yes, these are just at the point where they can be replaced before doing any damage to the sprockets. I'm on it. Have you used aftermarket 50-2 roller chain? If so, is there a specific brand and model number you'd recommend? Paul

[Paulgo]

Looks like I'm all set for chain. Will keep you all posted on how things go. Paul

[ArgoSteve]

Looks like I'm all set for chain. Will keep you all posted on how things go. Paul

Any update? LOL