Checking out newest purchase.

[Maniac]

Started checking my newest purchase today. 80s something Argo 8x8 serial HTB4023 Anybody have any idea of the year? Seems like the left hand brake lever is seized. The brakes are not applied, I checked to see if they were adjusted to tight but the caliper is loose. Sprayed some Penetrating oil on linkage etc. I will remove the firewall to have a good look later. I need to pull the gas tank and clean it out. It was sitting outside for a few years with no gas cap. Pumped up the tires, they seem to hold air for a few hours. So far I have found one outer axle bearing that is hooped others will probably fail when it starts to move. Of course lots of water, Ice, leaves, dirt, etc. The first thing I will do is rig up a fuel tank and see if the engine runs. This Tecumpse is grey with an engine repair tag on it with white air cleaner etc. so I am hoping the engine is newer. That will help me decide if I am pulling the top off the tub and doing lots of work or just a few repairs and test driving.

[Maniac]

It Runs It Runs

Hooked up a battery put the gas line into bottle of gas. Took out the plug put a little oil in the cylinder turned over by hand a few times. Put the plug in primed the carb and it started. Not the first try but in about 5 minutes. Ye Haw. Then I removed the fuel tank to clean it out. Smells a lot like turpentine. Decided to working on the bearing with fuel tank out would be easier. Turns out the bearing is OK the flange was loose. The winch turns Only tried it one wrap but it works that much. I still have to remove the firewall and free the brake lever. Once that is done and the gas tank is back in I think I am ready to test drive. The chains look OK they are all diamond chain has a new looking ARGO drive belt with a bunch of extra parts. I think it was owned by a company and was well maintained until the PO got it. PO said he got it with some other equipment and it sat for 3 years. Beginning to look like a $1000 wasn't to bad.

[LarryW]

What motor is in it? If its a briggs post the code. If its not then rest of the reply is worthless!

Briggs code example
01061201
YEAR MONTH DAY ASSEMBLY LINE AND MANUFACTURING PLANT
01 06 12 01

June 12, 2001.

That could be slightly different if argo purchase engines in bulk and they sat around a year or so but gives an Idea.

[Maniac]

Hi
Its a Tecumseh I figure its a mid 80's