Any Argo Gurus Out There ?

[tattie]

I have not long bought a 2nd hand Argo Conquest. It is a year 2000 and V899-45 Model. It has the Kawasaki engine fitted, Full ROPS and Full cover.
I don't think it has had a hard life as the tub is in reasonably good condition.

I haven't had an in depth look at everything yet as I was late up the road last Saturday night and have been busy at work.

Basically I'm looking for suggestions and thoughts on tyres and a few other things. it has knobbly mildly ribbed tyres on it just now and they are perished and I will through time be replacing them.
The Runamuck tyres were always fitted as OEM due to the rib helping Argo's go through water. I'll not be going through anything other than wet forest ground and heather.

What are everyone's thoughts on the originals and the knobbly / mildly ribbed tyres. I do know that the heavily ribbed/ Quad type tyres are perhaps not the best for the axles and slewing round when you are steering.

Bearings, sprockets and chains.
If the existing are needing replaced I will do so as I want a functioning reliable machine.
Does anybody have a clue of the sizes of the bearings on a year 2000 Conquest ?

Chains I will assume will be easily got online as I would think the main dealers will want an arm and a leg for consumables? Perhaps not?

The engine and gearbox will be getting a service and carb and choke set up right, as every Argo I've seen and heard seems to be a bit rough and needs a "technique" to get it started.

Anyway Ill leave it at that to see what folks thoughts and suggestions are.

Many Thanks in advance

 

[Malxwal]

Chains and bearings, your local bearing shop, just take in samples of the two bearings, inner and outer. Shafts if worn are dealer only, as are the bearing/seal carriers. The gaskets you could make yourself if you had the cork type gasket material, but probably a lot of work for a tiny saving.
Definitely get the "tool" for holding the chain ends while you connect (small vice grip with noses ground to fit, I can send you a photo).
Try and oil change and new spark plugs, they eat spark plugs. Gearbox is straight cut gears. They're not bad to replace bearings in yourself, again easy sourced locally, but you will need a decent press.
Can't recall the tyre setup for best manouverability, but check all the rims for dings from hitting stones when tyres are deflated.

 

[lochty]

As above. Not sure if Aird motors in Muir of ord are still going, they're probably your nearest if they are. We used quad tyres on the front and back and the ribbed type in the middle.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

My Dad ran knobblies on the front 2 axles and slicks on the rear 2 axles.
Regards
JCS

 

[Dawnrazor]

I always put the back tyres on backwards, you very rarely go forward though a bit you get stuck, you usually have to reverse.

 

[tattie]

Many Thanks for the replies and PMs as well.

Cheers

 

[tattie]

As above. Not sure if Aird motors in Muir of ord are still going, they're probably your nearest if they are. We used quad tyres on the front and back and the ribbed type in the middle.

Aye Aird are still on the go.

Thanks

 

[mack8317]

We use Jimmy McColl for Argo maintenance he very good

 

[roaring_stag]

Can second Jimmy McColl - Argo maintenance…

He tends to travel for work, so may be able to come to you? Message me for his contact details if you like.

 

[bogtrotter]

As above. Not sure if Aird motors in Muir of ord are still going, they're probably your nearest if they are. We used quad tyres on the front and back and the ribbed type in the middle.

Aird motors must.be still going they had a stand at Scone

 

[tattie]

Many Thanks all,

Ive been given Mr McColl's name in a few PM's now.

 

[tattie]

Aird motors must.be still going they had a stand at Scone

Aye They are, mainly Subaru but also Argo as well.

Thanks Jim

 

[countrryboy]

Do u know the trick/way to cold start them?

Simple when u know but I done a starter in once not knowing.
Usually fairly good starters

 

[tattie]

A good friend up in Caithness messaged me the technique he uses for his which is the same model.

Cheers

 

[tattie]

Back on the subject of Argos.

This one has the Kawasaki FD620D 20.00 motor in it.

I spoke with Aird today asking about rocker cover O rings but its not something they keep as a stock item.

Is there anyone else in the country that would be good to speak to, its nothing major, just the usual oil from the rocker covers weeping out and going on the plugs.

anyone online?

Cheers

 

[bogtrotter]

Carr's of Carlisle, don't have contact number
or even know if they are still in business.
Fraser Robb at Drymen might also be worth a try.

 

[Acm]

@tattie
Try l&s engineers for all spare parts online. So long as you’ve got part numbers or engine model numbers etc to cross reference you’ll be away. Just had a quick google and they have the gaskets your after and lots of other bits for that engine.
Have a look. Kawasaki FD620D Engine Parts | Kawasaki FD Engine Parts | Kawasaki Engine Parts | Small Engine Parts | Plant Spares | L&S Engineers
I’ve not used an argo much but when I have there’s been no real trick to starting them, I’d just say as with any crude petrol engine, if you start to smell fuel or see any moistness at the exhaust and it’s not firing assume you’ve flooded it and stop churning it over. Also, if it’s not a machine that’s going to be used an awful lot, consider running it in aspen instead of pump fuel.