Hoot

[LTV KID]

Southern comfort where were you in arkansas you should of stoped by to see my kid all torn down (too cold too work on for now) could have gone duck hunting we busted them on friday and saturday was descent too.

[Southern Comfort Kid]

LTV,
Yea I got my 2wd stuck in Bryant (LR) but at least not wrecked. I bet the duck hunt was fun in the sleet and snow, wish I had my gun and your tel number but I only planned for a 1 day trip then got stuck for fri/sat night while waiting to make the deal on the Hoot at least I got the one I wanted. We'll have to plan for a hunt next year with al the Kids! Then we can have fun even if the ducks don't show up. I saw THOUSANDS of geese on the way back (on the ground) in LA I'll have to let you now where (secret). Next time I'll bring the 4wd!

[Bw6]

SCK, you can only buy these tires from Argo, even though they are made by Carlisle, they won't sell them to you. Some say Argo has a 3 year exclusive with Carlisle, but it could be gossip. If I remember they were $127 each.

[jpswift1]

I think there was one at the Ledges 2008 or 2009 ride. Maybe someone who went there could chime in.

[Bw6]

Hoot at Ledges 2008

Well that would be me That was a memorable time, and I got the scars to prove it! It's worth traveling to one of these events. Here are a few pics, some I shot and some other people shot of my Hoot with the 24" Frontiers on. Larry you should enjoy the one of the drive you probably haven't seen it before.

[Southern Comfort Kid]

BW6,

Those 24" Frontiers look SWEET! Almost can't wait for the RH III to wear down. Do you keep the 2 psi in the water? Also, Did you take the fan off from under the hood? I don't see it, I know it runs all the time and can kill the battery quick, but down here I'll probably need it in the summer! Ever get water in the hood opening? Looks like it would have better located elsewhere.

Thanks,
SCK

[Bw6]

SCK, I didn't remove the fan, but it usually was unplugged. Let me tell you originally why the fan was there in the first place. Here is the theory. First there was an fan inlet filter to filter all the air coming into the engine compartment, so with a positive pressure in the engine compartment it would be kept clean. The secondary function was to cool down the brakes and rotors, to prevent fade. The third function was to provide some secondary cooling for the 15 hp. fan cooled Kohler engine. You will notice a two small openings on each side of the hood, this was meant to provide an exit for all the engine compartment air. Your question about water coming the fan inlet through the filter. Yes water did come in when you had a steep entry into the water, but this was planned in the "bowl" shaped underside of the hood. The theory again, was to capture the water in the bowl and then with the small drains in the bowl to let the water drain out into the tub and use your bilge pump when necessary.

Ok, now here is what really happened. The filter was a "cheap" affair, and also the filter holder was a poor design as well, so very quickly, a branch or stick etc would hit it and that was the end of the filter. Now you have a fan sucking in all the dust so the engine compartment was always dirty. Also the Kohler 15 (fan cooled) didn't need any extra air, only the brakes needed the air. So my suggestion would be to block the fan inlet, don't use the fan, but install 2 small fans one one each side of the hood, located adjacent to the brakes. This would give you a "push-pull" system of cooling the brakes. A push-pull system is one of the most efficient ways to cool/ventilate. The inlet fan should a cleanable filter installed.

This would eliminate the water entry problem, keeping all the belts dry, cool down the brakes (VERY IMPORTANT), and lower the amperage draw so that you could run the fans continuously. The existing fan was a real battery drainer. What I found that as the brakes heat up the turning (skidding) was noticeably affected, which you had to continually adjust to throughout your ride.

Lastly, "Bob" the designer of the Hoot was a very smart guy, but no one is perfect. A couple of things that should be revised, convert to hydraulic brakes, install 24" Frontier tires. Nice to have list: Vanguard 23 hp.(no weight penalty over 15 Kohler), Beef up the tranny, modify to install ASX's and adjust sprocket ratios to suit. With those suggested changes you would have a machine to brag about!!

Almost forgot: Yes 2 psi. in the water as well.

[Southern Comfort Kid]

Good Plan! Did you install the push-pull arrangement you talk about? I'll have to look into what fits. Bildge pump? didn't see one offered from the factory but, as with my other AATV I'm sure I can find the room for 1 or 2.

Keep me in mind about those spare parts if you find anything out. I would hate to be a couple of years down the road and have the Hoot down for ?? whie trying to find similar parts.

Thanks, SCK

[Bw6]

SCK, I sold my Hoot before I did the suggested push-pull brake cooling fan mod. I did install a bilge pump only needed one with the flat bottom, because, both sides communicate, so I installed it in the right rear corner, and run the outlet hose up under the rear rack. Will keep you in mind for the Hoot parts.

[Southern Comfort Kid]

So why did you sell it? must be like me, too many toys!

[Bw6]

Yes, too many toys, but I really liked the Hoot it was a great machine. Who knows I may do one up they way I described previously, but not for a while.

[Southern Comfort Kid]

Hoot Upgrade

BW6,

I took your advice, I think it was yours? And added two computer turbo fans to my Hoot. They are directed at the brake rotors and you can feel the breeze out of the side ports on the hood. I think they put much more ait into the system then the front fan. We'll see how they work in 90 degree temps. also added bidge pump, 12v plug, and LED headlights and taillights. Switches and fuses in the storage bin. The front floods use only about 11 watts compared to the 55w (each) the factory ones used. That should help the battery out. Probably needs a larger battery also. Waiting for those 24" frontier tires to drop in price, HAH!

I fully readjusted the hoot this weekend, as it pulled slightly to one side and found that 2 people must have put it together, 1 on 1 side that adjusted all of the chains properly and the 1 on the other side that really didn't care. In fact 1 drive chain is sooo tight, forget the 1/2" recommended flex, this one really needs a link added to the chain. The adjuster is all the way loose, so can't do it that way. That can't be good for the bearings. Any ideas? and where to get it.

Thanks!

[LarryW]

I recently had the opportunity to test drive a hoot and boy was it a hoot. Fun to drive. Little lacking in power but not bad. The drive is real similar to the multimobile.

[Bw6]

BW6,

I took your advice, I think it was yours? And added two computer turbo fans to my Hoot. They are directed at the brake rotors and you can feel the breeze out of the side ports on the hood. I think they put much more ait into the system then the front fan. We'll see how they work in 90 degree temps. also added bidge pump, 12v plug, and LED headlights and taillights. Switches and fuses in the storage bin. The front floods use only about 11 watts compared to the 55w (each) the factory ones used. That should help the battery out. Probably needs a larger battery also. Waiting for those 24" frontier tires to drop in price, HAH!

I fully readjusted the hoot this weekend, as it pulled slightly to one side and found that 2 people must have put it together, 1 on 1 side that adjusted all of the chains properly and the 1 on the other side that really didn't care. In fact 1 drive chain is sooo tight, forget the 1/2" recommended flex, this one really needs a link added to the chain. The adjuster is all the way loose, so can't do it that way. That can't be good for the bearings. Any ideas? and where to get it.

Thanks!

SCK,

Great job! It looks factory. Your Hoot will appreciate that extra cooling. Excellent location for those switches/fuses. The battery is a little small, but never let me down. However anything you can do to lower the draw is helpful. Regarding the swingarm chains, as you know it is important to keep them adjusted properly, so I guess you will need to add an offset link (half-link) to give you a bit of slack. You will notice that the small top sprocket shaft has 3 keys in it, that doesn't leave much left of the 1" shaft, and it is a weak point (ask me how I know). What usually takes it out is quickly rocking the handlebars from side ot side when your stuck, so when you get high centered resist the temptation, or you'll get towed back.

Here are a few more design change suggestions that you should make over time. Remove the mechanical brakes and install the mechanical/hydraulic kind (link will follow). Install a dam all around the perimeter of the Hoot body. 6" on the sides, 8" on the back (not needed on the front). This will prevent water coming in the back when climbing out of steep river/lake banks, and when you are in swamps and hit a submerged obstacle that tips your Hoot on to it's side. And of course the best all around improvement for any Hoot is those 24" Frontier tires! The good thing about the Hoot is almost all parts are off the shelf. The only difficult part to replace will be those "reversing wheels", so I would measure them up before they are worn so you have a benchmark for replacement when the time comes.

SCK, I don't know if you have a manual for your machine if you don't PM me and I will send you (or any other Hoot member) a electronic copy.

Tolomatic, Inc. - Power Transmission - Hydraulic/Mechanical Brake Combos