Response year, chain & drive issues

[Brogoboy]

I have just purchased a Argo Response on eBay and was wondering what year it was manufactured. The serial number is RB 13689 and model number V896-65.

Also the drive chains from the transmission are very loose, the right hand one sometimes kinks over double and jams against the frame. Are the tension of these chains able to be altered and how much defllection should they have ?

I can't shift it into gear with the motor running, it just crunches. When it is idling in neutral the pulley on the transmission is spinning, is this how it should be perhaps the belt is too short ?

I can't see any oil level check on the transmission, how is this done ?

What size engine was originally in this machine ? It currently has a 13 hp chinese motor pull start. I have a 10 hp diesel electric start sitting in the shed, would it be too small. It would probably have similar grunt to the chinese motor.

Great forum and very informative, thanks for your help.
Paul

[ve1sar]

Hi, i Am going to try the answer some of your questions. I can't help you with the year. The verticle drive chains on the transmission can be adjusted easily. There is a large bolt about a foot long across infront of the transmission at floor level. loosen this bolt. Under each end of the bolt there are two bolts that a screwed into the framing. the heads of these bolts sit on the big bolt I mentioned. Screw each of these bolts up and this will tighten the verticle chains. The defelection is 1/8 inch. Now retighten the main bolt. There should be a dip stick to check oil level in the top of the transmission where the shift rod enters the transmission. The reason you possibly cannot shift without grinding the gears is the engine idle is to fast. The idle has to be very slow to shift the gears. I cannot help you with the engine size. I own a 97 conquest I hope I have been helpful. Paul

[buckhntr17]

i have a 1998 response and mine has an 18hp briggs vanguard

[drev59]

Try placing the shift lever in reverse before you move it to a forward gear. When you move it to the forward gear you want do it in one swift motion without stopping. The pulley on the transmission does spin when you are in neutral normally.

[Rumbles]

My Response has the 18hp Vanguard Briggs and Stratton which I believe is the standard engine used for many years in the Response. I would be worried that the diesel engine won't spin up enough to work the clutch properly.

[argohunter]

I have just purchased a Argo Response on eBay and was wondering what year it was manufactured. The serial number is RB 13689 and model number V896-65.
Also the drive chains from the transmission are very loose, the right hand one sometimes kinks over double and jams against the frame. Are the tension of these chains able to be altered and how much defllection should they have ?
I can't see any oil level check on the transmission, how is this done ?
What size engine was originally in this machine ?
Paul

I believe that 1997 RB models started with Serial Number: RB-12075 so yours appears to be newer.

The RB was equipped with the Briggs & Stratton Vanguard, 570 cc (18 h.p.) V-Twin, 4 cycle, air cooled engine.

To check the idler chain adjustment, push the slack side of the chain and measure the amount of chain deflection. Adjust the idler chain tension if deflection is more than 3mm (1/8").

To adjust the idler chain remove the firewall and loosen the 2 left side clamping nuts and 1 front pivot shaft nut with a 15/16" socket wrench. Loosen the 3/8" hex nut securing the adjustment support, just above the transmission, to the hood frame assembly. Turn the vertical adjustment bolts counter-clockwise to raise the power pack and tighten the idler chains. The idler chains are properly adjusted when the deflection measures 3 mm (1/8"). Tighten the 2 left side clamping nuts and 1 pivot shaft nut securely. Tighten the adjustable support fasteners with the rubber bumper pressed down firmly onto the top of the transmission.

There should be a dipstick in the transmission and the transmission capacity is 30 oz (.85L) of 80 W 90 Gear Lube HYPOY-C.

Id like to see some pictures of the engine, how it fits, inside your Response. Can you post some in the gallery? It is unusual to see someone down size the engine when repowering. Most people usually want more power.

[LarryW]

My Response has the 18hp Vanguard Briggs and Stratton which I believe is the standard engine used for many years in the Response. I would be worried that the diesel engine won't spin up enough to work the clutch properly.

The diesel engines ussually spin the same stock 3600rpm as the gas engines.

A 10hp diesel will out torque a larger gas engine so it may be better even then the 13hp gas. And use way less fuel.

[Brogoboy]

Thanks guys you have been very informative, I really appreciate all your input. Paul

[96DodgeRam]

I have a 10 hp China Diesel installed in my 8x8 early 80's Argo , the torque is incredible , no stopping it when under full throttle .
An its just plain cool to see the black smoke out of the exhaust under heavy load conditions. The motor is a little louder than the original 16 hp tecumseh it had in it , but not much . I tied into the original muffler on the Argo ,it is a better muffler than the one mounted on the diesel motor . An you can play all afternoon on a gallon of diesel , try that on a gasser !!!!! Did i mention it's a Diesel ???????????

[mudbug3]

96DodgeRam

That Chinese diesel sure sounds like a torque work horse of a motor.