What to ask when hours are high

[JohnF]

Hi folks,

Since I introduced myself oh so long ago I have still been watching for my first AATV.

Here in the Denver area a 1999 Conquest has popped up on craigslist. It says it has 586 hours.

In the aircraft world not being used enough can be worse than too much. How do these machines take the hours?

I think I read somewhere that chains should be changed about every 300hrs; bearings too - is this the consensus?

What else should I consider to be a maintenance for-sure?

The ad is asking $4700 and the pic makes it look worthy of driving across town to take a look - what would you think if looking at a 1999 conquest with 586 hours?

John

[Rock Doctor]

Hi John,

That's not really alot of hrs for a 99. Have a look at brngs (In particular, Idler Shafts and Trans output shafts), chains, sprockets, overall cleanliness. The 99 was a good yr, I believe that was when they switched to "Single 60" chains on the back 2 axles.
Lube the clutches, fire it up and go for a spin, when it's warmed up, check the trans for metal fileings.

300 hrs on chains is low, even I get up to 350, and more sometimes, depends on quality of chain, Service Int, Type of lube, ect.
Brngs fail when they fail, I have had them fail at 25-50 hrs, but I've also had them last for 500+ hrs. It depends on many factors: Brng Location, Loads, Service intervals, Track Time, Contaminants, ect.

I would not heasitate to go for a look, What does it have for options?

RD

[JohnF]

That's not really alot of hrs for a 99.

Thanks for the response RD. Interesting, I have no feel for hours on these things.

when it's warmed up, check the trans for metal fileings.

This sounds like a great idea. Magnet dipped through an oil port or ...?

I would not heasitate to go for a look, What does it have for options?

RD

The pics look alright. There appears to be a crack near one of the headlights - something I think I've seen on a few. It was once a USFS sprayer tank hauler and apparently I will see patched holes for this because the owner has made sure to tell me a couple of times. It doesn't appear to have any options but I will see when I get up close.

John

[Rock Doctor]

This sounds like a great idea. Magnet dipped through an oil port or ...?



John

The trans drain should have a magnet on it. Just put down a rag, pull the plug, and have someone put their finger over the hole while you look at the plug. Small amounts of light filings are normal, start running if you find chunks. lol

RD

[JohnF]

Ok, getting ready to go take a look. Here is what I have gathered I need to take with me:

Rags
Some kind of wrench to remove the transmission oil drain plug (crescent?)
a couple of short 2x4 pieces
bottle jack
jack stands

I am imagining that I can jack it up with the bottle jack/2x4 to check the axles/bearings. (bearings/seals run around $75 (rough guesstimate) an axle?)

For the chains I am looking for tensioners that have no more adjustment and loose chains. (I've read here that chains should be about a $400 replacement)

It does not have a winch and I will be adding one. Does the conquest have the frame already in place - should I look for it - or do I just figure I will be buying it?

RD, I know you said run if there are tranny chunks - <anyone> what is the cost of tranny replacement? (figure argo rebuilt)

Is there an easy way to check the idler shaft bearings? (replacement cost?)

John

[Rock Doctor]

I am imagining that I can jack it up with the bottle jack/2x4 to check the axles/bearings. (bearings/seals run around $75 (rough guesstimate) an axle?)
Bearings from anyone other than Argo should run about $18-$25 and seals around $3-$5. You should not need any new axles, unless they are bent

For the chains I am looking for tensioners that have no more adjustment and loose chains. (I've read here that chains should be about a $400 replacement)
I used Tsubachi Chain the last couple times, don't remember what I paid for it. Buy it "Bulk", NOT from Argo. You will need two 10 ft rolls of "Single 60" for the back 4 axles, and three rolls of "Double 50" to do the front axles and idlers. If I remember correctly

It does not have a winch and I will be adding one. Does the conquest have the frame already in place - should I look for it - or do I just figure I will be buying it?
I have never seen one without, but have a look anyway

RD, I know you said run if there are tranny chunks - <anyone> what is the cost of tranny replacement? (figure argo rebuilt)
I have not had to do a rebuild myself, but have helped others. I don't know the cost offhand, I would have to make up a list of parts, and get a quote

Is there an easy way to check the idler shaft bearings? (replacement cost?)
Idler shaft brngs are the same as outer axle brngs. To check them, you might have to loosen the Idler Chain tension bolts. But if there is a little slack in the idler chains, just grab the idler shafts and try to lift them up. If they have any "play" in them, they need brngs

John

Hope this helps

RD

[bloodvette]

I'm a new owner also. I've done the complete checkover on my 99 Response. it definitely needs chains and one outter bearing. Look at this picture of mine when i got it. I've since changed the left hand side chains and doing the right hand this weekend. The new chains I put on are very tight, needed a chain stretcher to install them and now the chains don't sag at all at the tensioners. I'm sure they'll stretch/wear initially and they won't look like that for too long but just so you know that this is what chains that need to be replaced look like. these chains slap the floor when you brake.

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/attachments/argo-atvs/3183d1245454128-good-buy-99-conquest-7-000-img_1106.jpg

john

oh and I know this picture looks ugly, I'm not proud of it. I've since done one heck of a clean up job in there. the previous owner must have just oiled the chains day after day without ever giving it a wash. I'll take a few pics of the new chains and the cleanliness asap.