New argo owner, some questions, comments, and a couple pics!

[gotmuddy]

Yesterday at a auction they had a argo 6x6. I managed to steal it for $800. I dont think it has many hours, and it looks like it has sat for quite a while. I drove it into the back of my truck and brought it home. Today I did some piddling with it. I changed the plugs and the oil. I didnt even look for the drain hole, I just used a pump to get it out. The motor is a B&S 16hp v-twin. I couldnt find how much oil it holds so I just filled it until it showed full on the dipstick. The carb is loading up BAD at low rpm, in fact it wont idle. I put some seafoam in the gastank but I am going to have to do something with that carb.

I also adjusted the brakes, and changed one tire. for some reason the PO had one 22x11x8 tire and 5 20x11x8 tires. For now I am going to take the other 22x11x8 goodyears off my hustler until I can find some 22 or 23 inch mudbugs for the argo.

Onto the questions. First, how can I find out a year model? Second, how much play is acceptable in the wheels? The outer bearing on two of the wheels I checked have some play in them. Third, how much slack can the chains have?

In the short bit I have drove it it has been a blast...and I havent done anything but drive on a dirt road!! pics are uploading, gonna be a few minutes

[gotmuddy]

pics:

[Rock Doctor]

I also adjusted the brakes, and changed one tire. for some reason the PO had one 22x11x8 tire and 5 20x11x8 tires. For now I am going to take the other 22x11x8 goodyears off my hustler until I can find some 22 or 23 inch mudbugs for the argo.

Onto the questions. First, how can I find out a year model? Second, how much play is acceptable in the wheels? The outer bearing on two of the wheels I checked have some play in them. Third, how much slack can the chains have?

Hi,
Sounds like a deal (I can not see the pics from this PC)
I "think" that if you measure the od of those tires, you will find that they are pretty close to the same. The PO probably couldn't find a matching 20".

Take your Serial # to a dealer, they should be able to tell you the yr.
I prefer to see NO play in the axle brngs. If the brng does not feel like new, it's on it's way out. IMO
Chain Slack. Other than the front axles (no tensioners), there should not really be slack, the tensioners should put a little pressure on the chains. The Idler chains should be tight (about a 1/4" movement if you push on them, don't remember exactly)

Hope this helps

RD

[alaskacody]

if it has a serial # on it you can call a dealer or email and they can tell you the year I e mailed argo and got a bunch of trans info once they were a big help

[gotmuddy]

Does the argo have a traditional vin? There is a number in front of the drivers seat but it isnt but 5-6 characters.

I am having issues finding 10" rims online. I would prefer to keep the 8" rims but tire options are severely limited. I want to go with mudbugs or vampires. It looks like a 23" tire will fit easily, possibly a 24" if I keep pressure low.

The outer wheel bearings look somewhat easy to replace.

[chapy]

I would change the bearings, I had two last year thar moved a little and when I took the out they were in fifty peices. And while you are changing one you might as well change the rest too. Mine were only about 8 dollars a peice. thebigbearingstore.com


P.S. Your driver side tires are on backwards. you might want to turn them around before you take the machine in the water or you will just spin in circles.

[gotmuddy]

I would change the bearings, I had two last year thar moved a little and when I took the out they were in fifty peices. And while you are changing one you might as well change the rest too. Mine were only about 8 dollars a peice. thebigbearingstore.com


P.S. Your driver side tires are on backwards. you might want to turn them around before you take the machine in the water or you will just spin in circles.

$8 per wheel bearing!!!! thats cheap. or are you talking about the holders?

These B&S carbs are pieces of crap. is there any kind of upgrade available?

[Rock Doctor]

Does the argo have a traditional vin? There is a number in front of the drivers seat but it isnt but 5-6 characters.

I am having issues finding 10" rims online. I would prefer to keep the 8" rims but tire options are severely limited. I want to go with mudbugs or vampires. It looks like a 23" tire will fit easily, possibly a 24" if I keep pressure low.

The outer wheel bearings look somewhat easy to replace.

Hey GM
There are always alot of opinions on what Tire is best for different applications, personally I like the 24" Frontier tires, they work very well for me.
Your axles should be 24" center to center, so "theoretically" you could put 24" tires on. The problem is that your axle c-c's are probably not exactly 24" (on my Argo the front left 2 axles are just under 24" and the back right 2 axles are also just under 24"). Another problem you will find is that tires are not perfectly round, they have high spots. 24" Frontier tires measure "roughly" 23 3/8" to about 23 1/2" OD with 3 psi in them. This is as big as you will be able to go. On my machine, there is not more than 1/8" between some of the tires. This is good and bad, Good for riding over trees, they are self cleaning, and great swimmers. Bad if you have a bearing start to fail, the tires will start rubbing togeather imediatly, also, no room for tracks.

Outer bearings are easy to change, all you need is a few basic tools. Slide the axle out, and change the bearing. Change the seals too, they are cheap.

Just one opinion, I'm sure there will be others

RD

[gotmuddy]

thanks for the reply. I think I will just get all new outer bearings and seals. Any decent bearing shop should have them right? I need to find a B&S parts dealer so I can get a rebuild kit for the carb.

[Rock Doctor]

thanks for the reply. I think I will just get all new outer bearings and seals. Any decent bearing shop should have them right? I need to find a B&S parts dealer so I can get a rebuild kit for the carb.

Yes, I get mine from BC Bearing. I can't help you with where to get your parts, I am a LONG ways from you (You're in AR?)
Have you just tried to tear your carb apart and clean it? It sounds like your machine was sitting for a time, might just need the ports/jets cleaned.

[spits]

contact wendy smith at wsmith@odg.ca . She can give you all the facts you need if you can give her the serial no.

[gotmuddy]

I think all the bearings are bad. I have it up off the ground. The front chains have quite a bit of slack in them. Can I get double row 520 chain anywhere? Or Can I just use regular 520 chain and double it up?

[xrover]

As stated, if changing outside bearings, might as well do the inside now as well. They are that cheap.
On the carb, do the rebuild and use a capful of gas conditioner for every tank. You won;t have the problem again. The jets are so small they gum up easy. Make sure the plate cover is on the air filter and the air box cover is on as well. Ours was missing the plate and it didn't take long to get crap in the carb. If you don't have one, a pie plate will work for the time being or a lid from a small saucepan.
You should be able to source the chains anywhere. Have you checked the slider blocks (the nylon blocks that are spring loaded)? These keep the tension on the chains. If they are worn through or not there, then get some replacements. Another cheap item.

[gotmuddy]

there are nylon blocks but they dont do much for keeping the chains tight. I am gonna take all the wheels off thursday and check it out. Will a bearing shop have the bearing holders too?

[gotmuddy]

@#%%$^@$@ roll pins!!!

good lord why did they use roll pins to secure things on this pile? I have been working on getting the wheel bearings out of the left rear axle since 9:00(its 11 now). Please tell me I dont have to change wheel bearings very often