argo rebuild

[greggv2007]

Hi All. Well started to strip down the last Argo that I acquired. A few real surprizes. One chain tensioner missing,[previous owner cut a piece of 2x4 and placed under the chain to keep it from rubbing on the tub][his idea of a new style tensioner, when it gets loose shim the 2x4 up a bit higher], one brake broken and lots of welding to do on the frame.Tranny won't stay in reverse, but I do have a spare, so I will check it out through the winter.[Our winter here is 6-8 months long]. This machine had a 16 hp tecumseh, but it will get a 18 hp briggs vanguard. chains and sprockets are all good, but will have to replace all bearings and seals. When this project is done, I have a 18 hp Kubota 3 cyl diesel that I want to try and install in the other machine. Probably going to need lots of luck there. I tried to get some pic's but can't get them to download from my camera. I'll have to keep trying, maybe some of them will work out.

[InTimadator]

Rebuild

I'm rebuilding also. Keep us posted on your progress. Hope u get pics. up soon. Interested to see how your Diesel motor will work out. Keep up the good work. Glad to see you only have one chain tensioner missing I need all six. LOL. Tim

[greggv2007]

argo rebuild

Got some pic's up today. Ordered all new bearings and seals. Still have to get a chain tensioner and one brake. Do the welding and then it's ready to go back together. Leaving on a 2 week vacation on Monday, so things will get delayed a bit. Still hope to have it done by the end of Aug.

[greggv2007]

argo rebuild

Finished stripping the machine today. Frame is in good shape, but will add a few gussets just to stiffen it up a bit.There were a few extra bolt holes in the body that I'll have to fill in, but no breaks or cracks that I could find.A good cleaning and all new bearings and seals, a rebuilt tranny and a brand new 18hp Briggs and it's ready to roll. In about 2 weeks I should be floating in the lake.

[Mike]

It sounds like you can see the light at the end of the tunnel now, the money sucking tunnel. I look forward to seeing the finished pictures.

[jerseybigfoot]

It sounds like you can see the light at the end of the tunnel now, the money sucking tunnel. I look forward to seeing the finished pictures.

Calm down Mike It's not as bad as boat or RV. You probably haven't driven your machine in a while and need a 6x6 fix.

[greggv2007]

argo rebuild

Price wasn't to bad .One brake, one chain tensioner, about $60.[Can.]. Got the bearings and seals while I was out on holidays for another $150.[Can.]. So i'm not complaining to loudly. Had the tranny and engine before I even got the argo. Picked up 2 "83's" for $500., and the tranny was with them. Got the motor new off ebay for $650. Will end up with 2 complete machines for around $2000.

[greggv2007]

argo rebuild

Well ran into a snag today.Mounted the engine, went to install the tranny but the oil filter on the engine is in the way of the brake disc. If I move the engine up or ahead, I am going to need a longer belt.I will check with Briggs to see if they make a remote mounted oil filter kit, as that will let me keep the original mounting for both the tranny and the engine.

[greggv2007]

argo rebuild

Another snag. The hood opening on my machine is kind of small as compared to the newer machines. When I placed the top on the tub the edge of the opening for the hood sits right down on the oil filler on the 18 hp briggs. My thoughts are to cut the opening a little longer, and add a piece into the hood to make it fit.Whatever I cut out of the top, I could use to lengthen out the hood. Any other suggestions would be apprieciated.

[spits]

When i put the Kohler in my 83 6x6 I ended up with the opening 3 inches longer than expected. I made a mold and built a fiberglass hood. Somewhat extreme maybe but the engine is covered and does't look to bad. If i could figure out how to post a picture i would.