86-87 Argo 6X6 Hard to start

[135rpilot]

Anyone out there have any tricks for starting 86 or 87 Argo 6x6 with Tecumseh 16hp single cyl. Bought one this weekend for my dad to Sugar with and it is tricky to start. Has a three position ignition switch with a fuel pump one position from start. Also has a choke. I know that they are all a little cold blooded, but i am sure someone out there knows a trick or two. Also, i have a parts catalog that i downloaded, but cant seem to find a operators manual for that year of argo. Any help would be appreciated.

Nelson from NH

[eightwheeler]

Yes!!! divorce the Tjunksie fuel pump from the carb and convert it to a Briggs Vanguard fuel pump, best mod you could ever do to a Tejunksie, if you need help i can show you how to do it

[135rpilot]

Eightwheeler,

Thanks for the reply. Would you recommend changing out the engine as well, or just the fuel pump. If so, do you know what Briggs would fit with the current bolt pattern and not require any modifications. Thanks for your help. NP

[Robinhood02]

oh yes, if you have the cash change out the motor too, those cast iron Tecumseh motors were not much but grief, i changed over to an 18 hp Briggs and it is now twice the machine

[135rpilot]

Thanks for the advise. Did the 18hp Briggs swap easily? There is plenty of room in the engine compartment, but i have read some horor stories of engine swaps gone wrong, ie. melting the body. I bought a Argo 6x6 which i believe is a 87 or 88. The number on the tag is T6276. The engine had a compression reading of just over 100. Appreciate any advice out there. We are using the machine for Sugaring in Northern Vermont. Still lots of snow this late in April! NP

[eightwheeler]

well you have to be carefull, some uppers do not have room to fit twins under them, if your upper is flat in the front all the way up to the hood your not looking at a direct bolt in, i would just freshen up the tejunksie and be done with it