Argo Windshield vortex , exhaust in Cab - any solutions ?

[brian.keeley]

Hi forum members, my wife and I (using our recently acquired 2011 , stock, frontier 8x8) just did our first test run out to the Cottage (via the lake ice ) and when we run back and forth across the lake around 17 km/hr , we have noticeable exhaust backwash in the cab area. Seems like this is a general problem with UTV's and windshields but I was surprised at the accumulation when running with a full top. The top has zipper windows and snaps at the bottom. It really is not comforting to have all that exhaust smell. I read few threads about this issue but given the how common this seems for UTV 's I was surprised to not see any specific or even commercial solutions to this issue. I have seen a solution for UTV's using a new hydrofoil and I have read a few ideas around the exhaust (maybe an extension) running up the windshield but I was concerned about how that would perform (back pressure etc..).

Has anyone solved this issue and is it perhaps more common with specific models or exhaust pipes. Any suggestions ?

[KevinW]

If it isn't leaking in through the engine compartment I would try adhesive foam between the snaps and anywhere else you see daylight.
As a last resort you could divert the exhaust pipe just for the winter.

[mowbizz]

2016 Scout 6x6 here and we mainly use it for ice fishing so far. Never had a hint of fumes in the cabin area and we have the top and windshield as well. Just today I was going across the ice to the ice shack and I noticed the exhaust vapors streaming by the side of the Argo and nothing was coming inside with the exhaust side window rolled up. Fast or slow no fumes here.

[thorn]

I have had multiple Argos with full tops and have never had an exhaust issue. I would check your entire exhaust lines/pipes. You may have a crack or leak in the engine compartment, which would certainly work into the cab.

[ARGOJIM]

Yes check for an exhaus leak, tail pipe out of socket, leaking manifold gasket, with the top on and closed nothing external should enter except perhaps through open door.

[brian.keeley]

I really appreciate the input here guys. I will go over the vehicle next weekend when we are up to check for leaks. The exhaust system is the original so it crossed my mind that there was an exhaust leak. I did run the vehicle for extended periods of time at low speed 10-20 minutes), even idle and there was never any exhaust in the compartment (will double check this again). It only happens at faster speeds (from what we observed). What got me on to the idea of backwash was the ton of comments from side by side drivers on the internet and some on this forum around how the windshield affects the air flow, causes dust, exhaust in cabin area. The fact that we have argo owners using the argo in the same scenario as me without the issue, means I need to do a bit more diagnostic and see where it leads me :-).. Will try to seal the entire passenger side.

[KevinW]

If it isn't an exhaust leak, you get everything sealed up and it's still getting into the cab a smoke machine will show you where.

[Noel Woods]

My vote is an exhaust leak under the hood. For guys that run tops, many have complained about some fumes coming in, but from what you have mentioned my theory is an issue at the manifold connection to the exhaust pipe before the muffler. Even without a top, the fitment of the factory exhaust system isn't a great design and I've noted nearly every Argo I've driven has left me smelling of exhaust emissions. I do think that a pipe within a pipe system routed along the side to the rear would be a better way to go.

[brian.keeley]

Well all ended on a good note. I finally found the root cause of the smoke/exhaust in the cabin and a few other issues that I had this winter. It was an oil pan leak, that did not seem to manifest at idle but only under load. It caused smoke by oil leaking/spraying on hot engine parts, it caused the clutch belt to slip and overheat and squeal and it caused one of the brake pads become dirty as well. I took it to a new argo dealer close to the cottage in Tremblant Village (Quebec) and a new oil pan seal was needed. At the same time (147 hours on my 2011 now) I had him do the 150 hours clutch inspection, clean and re-grease the chains , clean brakes and belt. Took a few weeks to get it back and get up to the cottage for the rest of the season (later march/early April) but what a difference !!! I will post a few pictures and a video of a test run out the back of the cottage.

[mowbizz]

Glad you got it worked out!

[great white]

Glad you found it. I had a similar issue with my old Kohler magnum occasionally "wrapping around" exhaust when the wind direction was right or everything just lined up for it to happen. The Kohler is old and while it doesn't really burn oil, it burns enough to make the exhaust smell strong if you are in it.

Since I was rebuilding my Argo into something a little....ah, "different"...I went this way with it:



I also wanted a little less noise in the cockpit and this moves most of it to the rear of the rig as well as reducing under-hood temps (big muffler is now gone from the engine bay).

Some guys have also gone straight up above the windshield, like a tractor.

No need for all that though if the stock location works for you.