1980 Argo belt,steering help

[wildbill335]

Alright here goes I reciently purchased what I believe is a late 70`s early 80`s no way to tell no tags. I replaced the shot origional engine with a kohler 23 hp. runs great the problem I am having is their is no belt, I found a v belt that fits ok its a 39, any one got a clue on how to tell what belt to use. With the one currently it goes backwords and fowards great just not left or right will a new wider correct size belt fix this. It is killing me not to go see what it can do but this belt is drivig me crazy.

[Mike]

Hi wildbill, if you will look in the transmission forum (you may have to use the search) there are a couple of great threads on how to size the proper belt and how to align it as well. There are also some common belt sizes and cross references in the manual section of the site on the front page. A belt that is slipping could cause you not to be able to turn since turning requires more power. I would try to get the belt correct first and then see if you can turn from there. Good luck with everything.

[wildbill335]

Thanks for the help I will check their, any clue on how to tell year of this argo their are no tags what so ever. Its left handed stearing it has singel size 50 chain all around except for transmission. Or anyone what a clue on where to look or who to ask.

[eightwheeler]

looks like a '78 or '79 after that they had the molded scoop in the hood where you have the expanded metal for the Tecumseh to fit

[greggv2007]

Looks identical to the two that I have. The one I know is a 1983. It came with double 50 chain and the 16 hp tecumseh engine. The other has single 50 chain and the 16 hp tecumseh engine. Not sure of the year. For belt size, I use a 1035 snowmobile belt. It drives good, but the older style mechanical brakes seem to need adjustment regularly so it will turn without having to pull the levers back excessively.

[wildbill335]

My argo came with a 16 hp tecumseh engine as well, it was like it sat in water or somthing the entior underside was rusted through it did have compression though. I hear people talking a lot about the breaks need adjustment regularly. I am new to this what is ment by this this is my first argo I was able to get it to turn once going full out with a new belt on. Ill post pictures as it is finished except for my two issues belt and turning.

[eightwheeler]

yes the pads are probably worn out or glazed beyond repair, you can buy them from Argo still or you can do what i do and just custom fit car pads on them which work much better

[wildbill335]

Im going to get some new break pads that will probably help a lot. Still confused on what constantly adjusting breaks means Im new at argos

[Malee]

Im going to get some new break pads that will probably help a lot. Still confused on what constantly adjusting breaks means Im new at argos

Is your Argo moving when you try to turn or does it stop. or not turn at all but moves forward and back when trying to steer?

I have found if you have pads left the brakes/steering should work. Its an awkward job but udjusting them by using a feeler gauge between the disk and pad gives the best result, even a pice of paper if you have no gauge. Another option would be to loosen one set of the callipers (both bolts, left disk) and tighten the other (both bolts right disk) if it does a donut its purely your brakes/steering ajstment.

[wildbill335]

Never thought to try to tighten one side . I am able to mover freely foward and backwords I was able to turn one time going full out. My driver clutch is bad the Argo is in pieces, so as soon as I figure out how to remove this (never been done) I am going to try your ideas. Thanks for the help I have only delt with car breaks I`m not rich so I do my own.

[wildbill335]

I took everyones advice but could not resist tearing everything down and starting over tranny is out getting the driver clutch off and looked over. I am currently working on getting the roll pins out and axels, anyone have any advice on how to get these out. Money is kind of an issue so I have to save what I can.

[greggv2007]

I used a pin punch to remove all the roll pins on mine, and replaced them with 5/16 grade 5 bolts and lock nuts.

[wildbill335]

I have been trying to remove them for 2 weeks now two of them are not wanting to come out now I have to drill them. I am a little scared to use bolts will they break like the roller pins? I ride in northeren canada pritty much in the middel of no where and would much rather break a pin then an axel.

[spookum]

I was reading on another forum some where, that eventualy argo skipped over the roll pins and went to bolts themselves. But i want to know if it increases the chances of breaking an axel.

[wildbill335]

Got everything up and running still no stearing. My question is should I be able to stear on cement like or just on grass or mud