Fixing An Abandoned Argo Amphibious Vehicle, Will It Start?

[@FarmCraft101]

VEVOR Articulating Borescope Camera. US s.vevor.com/bfQxNQ. EU s.vevor.com/bfQC2t. Discount Code VVS10 to save 10$. Have an awesome weekend folks!!

[@rossogier6942]

Oh wow, I did expect it to be that reasonably priced. Now I just need to convince my wife that I need it (actually, I need to convince myself first 😂😂).

[@tennysoncason772]

Nice work.

[@cygnus1965]

I am surprised how much I actually use mine. Not that same one but it’s pretty amazing what can be done with one.

[@WatchWesWork]

These were pretty popular here with duck hunters. I think they all came to the same conclusion: it's a slow, clumsy ATV, and an even slower and more clumsy boat.

[@johnnybgoode6466]

Enjoy your channel Wes - you do great videos

[@cv990a4]

Looks like a miniature Soviet armored vehicle.

[@ilovelamp61]

That was always my estimation of it as an observer.

[@djmips]

Yeah they are turkeys - not great - but they are kind of loveable.

[@securem3]

These were very popular with duck hunters that hunted beaver dam sloughs and moose hunting in the bogs/swamps. They used the tracks over the tires. Tracked atv/utv'spale in comparison in these environments. Snow/swamp cats do work too at 10x the weight and 20x the price

[@richardgreen7811]

Based on my experience with these: #1. You need a base of sizeable rocks for a launch/recovery ramp on the pond. #2. When you pack the side bearings, the leaks will completely stop. #3. "Don't" experiment with tires. The originals are the best performers you will find. #4. Sealing up the upper/lower body halves will be a great asset to operation. #5. You don't need to modify the hood. Now you know you can gain access via the instrument panel. #6. Fabricating a roll-type bar for mounting lights (forward and rear facing) is a great addition. It will keep running better as you use it. You're going to have a lot of fun with this and it's a wonderful farm tool for getting into the back country segments of the Farm. One valuable tid-bit. If you switch to full synthetic oil for the engine (10W-30), you will reduce the operating temperature by 20 to 30 degrees.

[@Rasputin-p4e]

You mighty be a brilliant mechanic yourself, ...but your wordings really made him look like a fool. He's in his 40s, He's almost five hundred subscribers, and his channel name us I FarmCraft101, he teaches people what to do,... .. about mechanics, electrical, to run a farm, an arborist, fix electricfans, do carpentry, how to use ropes, ties a shoes and others. And now you're telling this poor old man what's the correct way to do as if he's a rookie. Who are you, mate. You sure be a respectable and accomplished man in yer trade.

[@ionstorm66]

7 add a small automatic bilge pump. They have ones that run every few minutes automatically, and keep running if they detect load on the pump. Would be perfect for this.

[@Emenblade]

Looking at the back of the box there makes a guy wonder about clamping on an out board. Is that a thing??

[@ionstorm66]

​@@Emenbladethey are made for a trolling motor because they are so slow in the water.

[@MikeZMonroe]

Man. I see this Argo as a toy. Used for fun rides at family picnics. To use on your pond to fish out of…? More fun on pond when frozen.

[@punktkomma9489]

I love these unobtrusive and interesting sponsorships which aid the content with additional educational value

[@TrpDSgt]

@FarmCraft101 place your parts inside of zip lock bags or old plastic peanut butter jars. Put whatever cleaning chemical that you want inside the bag or jar with the parts, then place the bags in the Ultrasonic cleaner filled with water. This keeps you from spoiling the whole inside of the Ultrasonic and also allows you to use multiple cleaners at the same time and conserves cleaner.

[@sailingaway39]

I have been watching your videos for about 3 weeks now. I must say I am addicted. I have gotten myself into so many teardowns and rebuilds of lesser equipment over the years but none on the scale of yours. You seem to be fearless in taking on the challenges. I had a farmer friend from Minnesota who much like you had a "get er done attitude". A strong personal quality. I admire your willingness to to share all, even your mistakes or failures. All of it makes for fascinating episodic viewing!!!!

[@benjamincresswell3713]

Hi John, When I was about 16 a neighbor behind my house built one of those things. He planned on selling them and asked me and my buddies to help him proof it out. We had an abandoned farm the expressway cut in half with several ponds and woods and fields where we tested it out for him. It was neat but it would not climb out of a pond through the muck. Just like yours his got caught on the belly. I never bought into the idea since it couldn't climb out of the water without an improved access. On cylinder wall pitting it looks like that when someone lets it sit and rust for a while and then runs it. No worry since it doesn't seem to pass that much oil and smoke out the exh. Keep an eye on the oil level and you'll see it's probably just fine. The oil you see on the cylinder wall is normal for a "Flat" or "Pancake" engine where the pistons move horizontally. The oil is there to lube the piston and rings while it running but when you stop it that oil will move to the bottom of the cylinders and appear to be excessive. I mean it's not brand new, so it's going to pass a little oil and that is what you are seeing. As for the Starter, the problem is most likely rust on the sliding parts like the actual armature where the pinion gear (you called it by a brand name: Bendix) slides in and out to engage the starter ring gear or it's the plunger on the solenoid sticking on rust or grease or gunk. As for charging, it looks like an older GM alternator, so c'est la vie. You get what you pay for. A few years ago you could buy a voltage regulator at the department store for a GM alternator, so there's your dinner. ben/ michigan

[@dder5]

I recently bought a 5 1/2 acre homestead in a rural area that I planned to develop periodically on weekends and vacations; until of course, I realized how long everything takes to progress. As someone with no experience, your videos give me perspective on the long and rewarding road ahead this has been immensely valuable. BTW I spent $2400 at Vevor using your link for the forge a few weeks back so thanks

[@davidpawson7393]

I just moved into my first and last house on two acres in between an old dump and a lake in New Hampshire. I needed decent fill to smooth out where I'm hand digging rocks and junk up and as I don't have much of an income I called the town's maintenance department as they were hauling dirt every day. Not only is it free after signing a waiver but it saves them time and money being able to dump here. I use my trailer with it's expanded steel floor to screen the dirt for the yard and the rocks for the driveway, edging and other projects. Hope that helps if you ever need good fill.

[@robertcary435]

In my experience, when I'm approaching the shoreline, I slow my rpms so I don't dig myself a hole and and high center, then climb out of the water with lower rpm until the tires grab good. I also know that every situation is unique. Great video. I really enjoy your content!

[@golf-n-guns]

The OCD in me would have washed the outside of that fuel tank when I had it out. You're one busy beaver! Wish we were neighbors.

[@xRepoUKx]

Same 😂

[@wadepg]

Me as well...lol @@xRepoUKx

[@user-ji5ev6px3t]

Argo is a Canadian manufacturer of amphibious all-terrain vehicles that was founded in 1962 as Ontario Drive and Gear (ODG) Limited, in Kitchener, Ontario. The company helped design the transmission for the Amphicat, another amphibious vehicle, and later developed its own models of 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles. The company is now based in New Hamburg, Ontario.

[@michaelcaprio5269]

Definitely make a bit of a "launch" at one area of the pond with some stones or gravel or something to take it in and out

[@robinjchambers845]

Great stuff ! A friend bought anArgo in 1981, in Peace River, Alberta, Canada, for hunting. I went with him a couple times. The first trip was a disaster, got high centred on everything, especially beaver dams and ponds. It was more work pushing that dam thing than just walking the bush. Anyways on second trip was much better as he knew what to avoid to go smoother. He bagged many a moose with that thing and was really pleased with it, so much so he bought one for his wife. You found a great toy and suggest you play with it till it dies then sell or scrap. Enjoy! 😊 love your channel

[@MikeZMonroe]

Borescopes Inspection - Retired from a aerospace engine manufacturer. In the early 90’s a significant complex magnesium casting had multiple cores used to carry air or fluids. A nightmare to cast and weld repair. Anyway - borescopes we’re just being introduced as an inspection tool. A perfect instrument to inspect internal passages…too perfect. This tool was a amazing and caught many defects. Your new tool reminds me of the love / hate relationship with the borescope😊

[@hansingreece]

Aviation mechanic here. You have no idea how much modern borescopes have improved. In quality imaging, ease of use, 3D live measurements etc. It's come to a point where even clueless people like me can use them with confidence to inspect combustion liners and turbine vanes. Magnificent tool.

[@MikeZMonroe]

@@hansingreece Like many other electronics the initial market price is huge with selected users who can afford. Yours use a perfect example. Today buy a way less expensive devise to use at home.

[@philmccracken2012]

Oh, one more comment. I definitely appreciate the way you explain everything as you're doing it. Also, I can appreciate the time that it takes to film and then edit the videos. so yeah, thank you.

[@GPSJayDog22]

Thank you for making this show. Growing up we two COOTs and I always wanted to know more about the Argo because of the TV show "The Banana Splits". Now, at 70 years of age and seeing your show I am glad we had the COOTS. WIth the CLEATS we could put over the tires, although it a real hassle for a teenager in a hurry, they did work. Yep! Nothing like two wheelbarrows back to back with a motor and a steering wheel. You brought back great memories. Thank you again. Jay

[@GrumpysAlaska-ue2lp]

The banana split machines were not argos.. They were actually called and amphicat and were 6 wheel. While quite similar in basic principal, they used a different transmission and a two-stroke engine. I am currently rebuilding one to go along with my new argo. ( 8 wheels and an aircooled v twin briggs....argo has. Offered multiple engines through the years)

[@jerrymay3806]

I've started watching yr videos awhile back and I'm glad I run across you. Being a 74 yr old motorhead/geared, you are right in my wheelhouse! Nice work!

[@L5GUK]

Really like the snappier editing in the workshop on this video, kinda reminds me of M539 Restorations with your own flair of speeding up with funky music. I have no idea how you are able to constantly find fresh and interesting things to bring us along for every, if not most, weeks. Really is something I look forward to. You seem like such a agreeable and interesting guy!

[@JohnStelling-i9v]

Fun to watch! I’ve had an Argo for 30 years in Alaska. I’ve packed lots of moose meat and caribou with it… I always carry an anchor a folding shovel and some extra line to use with the winch. As you found in high centers easily.

[@DrFiero]

Back in 1980 my brother had a retail store - next door was an Argo dealership! Still remember the sales guy taking me out in one and running sideways along a slope so steep I had to hang on with both hands so I didn't just fall out! It was awesome! :D

[@aeolus7762]

I've been watching you now for the good part of 2 or so months now and while I don't understand really anything you're doing, your wealth of knowledge is incredible and your approach to everything, while not always successful, is very thoughtful!

[@jimgable2422]

As a nurse the way your endoscope rotates reminds me of the instrument that doctors use to perform a colonoscopy.

[@alaric_]

Similar but smaller. Also this doesn't have the ability to pump gas in, release gas out or suck liquids out. Or use a snip to take out a sample and pull it out. Not a nurse, just been the target of that horror way too many times and here they don't put the patient to sleep for the operation.

[@MikeZMonroe]

This technology has game changed so many “now old” practices.

[@elliotazus6258]

​@alaric_ I had it done 4 or 5 times. Except for the first one I was put out for all the others. I had one polyp different times. I suggest you find a new doctor.

[@anthonywilson2346]

Ouch - as a colitis suffer I’ve had both with and without laughing gas - much prefer it going into a cylinder and not my @@@@@😮😮😮😮

[@danburch9989]

@@alaric_ Reminds me of a cartoon, doctor to patient: "Your healthcare package doesn't cover the cost of the prep-kit so we'll have to slap the crap out of you."

[@BlindmanValley]

We had Argos ever since I was a kid. I'm 50 now and i have 2 now with he newest being a 2013. Great little machines and anyone that says they are useless doesn't know how to operate them and has never thrown 2 dressed moose, 2 guys, in the Argo and all the camping gear in a trailer and driven 20 miles through muskeg all the way back to he truck warm and dry.

[@GrumpysAlaska-ue2lp]

Most people that bad mouth an argo are go fast types that really want a quad or a sxs. If you are doing argo things and argo works really well. They are not exactly adrenaline machines, they are however very useful.

[@PRAISETHESAVIOR]

It kinda looks like slight pitting on the cylinder walls to me but it seems to run good. I think that the engine oil might be plugging up the slight pits and then stays on the top side of the piston. Watch your oil consumption and if it starts smoking. Also I would add a bilge pump and switch so you won’t have to worry about putting the plugs in and out.

[@electrickal1]

Those holes in the cylinder walls are caused by woodworm.

[@PRAISETHESAVIOR]

@@electrickal1 kinda looks like it 😂

[@kooscombrinck3753]

Hi John,I am a backyard mechanic for 40 years+and as a rule of thumb I always remove an clean carbs on old long stored engines cause of gunk collecting and dry in there.

[@Esskay_Vader]

Absolutely

[@DS-Turbo]

OMG that endoscope is the best one I've ever seen before the pictures is so clear.

[@Northernzorno]

Great video of getting the machine running. As an argo owner, I can say that there is a lot of maintenance Involved for the peace of mind. We run our machines up to about -30 C here In Canada's arctic and use our machines for everything from recreation to sustainable hunting on the Canadian Tundra. Check out our terrain in the Northwest Territories Canada and see where these machines excel.

[@nvrst]

Donn DIY had recently the whole series of full disassembly and rebuild of this kind of vehicle.

[@daniellassander]

Im so envious of Johns torque wrench arm he uses in his videos :)

[@lennyf1957]

1:50 Pro Tip. Instead of 2 small 1X6es, put a 1X6 or 1X8 long enough to spend both wheels. Before pushing the vehicle on top, put a small rock under the center Of the board. You will be able to spin it like a top.

[@g7puw]

Hey over here in the uk we used to spend many a summer break mucking about with these and I do remember is you really need to be ruthless with departing and entering the ponds with these otherwise you will get stuck , you would benefit from a decent ramp under water in your case great video

[@johnfreiler6017]

Did you try backing out? With the back end higher, you might get to dry-ish land and get some traction. Otherwise, get a grappling hook and a front winch: unwind a bit of cable, throw it out and then pull yourself in. For your pond, a nice launch would be best: doesn't need to be fancy, just some stones forming a ramp, but you should want to use this in places other than your pond and the grapple and winch technique could get you out of some hairy situations. Thanks for sharing, it looks like a blast to tool about on!

[@josephbrannum5746]

I had one of the smaller ones (only had 3 wheels on a side) back in 1972 and 73 had a lot of fun with in in the snow, But it would high center in the big snow drifts bad. I recall seeing tracks made for them but don't know if they were of much help , It was a lot of fun just to run around the farm with. Look forward to each of your videos, take care and have fun.

[@redelm3119]

Had a 6 wheel Argo a few years ago it was great fun. I put tracks on it and could climb out of about anywhere. Like your videos. Good job! Thanks

[@markyax1467]

This video saved me a ton of money. I have always wanted one of these but not after watching how poorly it handled the mud and in the water. Ground clearance is so important . No matter what vehicle when you bottom out all traction is lost .

[@lenonkitchens7727]

My family had one of these about 35 years ago, and I can verify that is the stock steering system.

[@chuckfountain620]

I think the water could be coming in through the split between the 2 halves of the argo. There is a butyl 1:04:47 seal strip that goes between the halves and then the bolts seal it with equal pressure all the way around. I also installed a marine bilge pump in my argo. Works great!

[@TomTalley]

Looks like a transom mount for a small outboard in the back. One of those door steerable trolling motors would be neat. Rock, excavator, no problem...maybe closer to the dam where it hasn't made mud yet...just build a road ramp...all good. Thanks for another great video.

[@williamfeasal1975]

they will take a 9.9 horse short shaft outboard

[@muppetpaster]

In '81 I had one of these.....Including the tracks....I was 11 y/o back then. What fun we had with it. Lived in a forrest with sand dunes and lakes.....LOVED IT! My dad gave it to me to get around in the forrest. He'd rather had me riding this than my dirtbike.... We changed the engine for a Hatz diesel engine (28Hp)

[@lebensgesetze]

Very glad to see how your channel has grown, you definitely deserve all the views you can get with the quality of your content.

[@anthonyhill503]

i gotta get one of these.. growing up an older neighbor had a 6 wheeler.. you're tires will have deeper tread when new

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

An automatic bilge pump would be a good addition. Maybe cleaning out the mud at the edge of the pond and replacing it with sand would help. might want to check the oil in the engine to make sure it didn't go down since you are seeing oil in the cylinders.

[@johnvaluk1401]

Thanks for the video John. Wonder if trying to back out of the pond would have made a difference? However as others have said a dedicated area to launch would be best. Have fun!

[@togo3624]

Great video. Love my walks of shame back to the barn after getting stuck. Nice to see a shared experience.

[@The-Deadbolt-Deputy]

I’m already loving the split screen view when using the new scope. It’s cool to see inside stuff and it’s super clear too.

[@DrFiero]

That Kohler is probably the same engine that's in my 1979 John Deere 317. Have all the manuals for it (PDF) if you need 'em!

[@randyames992]

I found that backing out of the pond works best And when you are in weeds/grass etc along the shore don't try to steer it..let it have it's head and you will have better luck.

[@AW-Services]

Donn DIY is the man to watch on a detailed rebuild. These are fun but the main tubular steel frames rust like hell, the wheel bearings and seals rot and the spockets often shear and wear

[@dandahermitseals5582]

You just need good tires with deep V tread to paddle better. Huge difference . Im doing total rebuild on my Sidewinder now. It has a full roll cage and 20" tracks for trail breaking and grooming. Do a lot of plowing.

[@mixhawker4274]

Hey, I love watching your channel. If I can give you some advice, the 2 screws that attach the throttle plate were difficult to loosen due to loctite. You need to replace them with loctite otherwise in time they'll come loose and go through the engine and cause a lot of damage.

[@walter2990]

I came here to make the very same suggestion. Hope he reads these suggestions.

[@xcalibre222]

Yup! A rocky ramp will help. You may want to consider installing a boat sump pump in the back end. Thanks for the Vids.

[@senorjp21]

I have a cheap constant current / constant voltage bench power supply. I have used it to revive batteries by setting the voltage to the charged cell voltage and limiting the current to an amp or two. This is a pretty safe way to charge a dead battery. Works on 12 lead acid, lithium ion, etc.

[@RandyTyler-m9y]

I have the Argo, the tires that are dual purpose (water/land) aren't what you have on your unit. You will get through snow, mud water and hard surfaces with ease. I've used mine in the mountains of Colorado, Alaska and here at the farm in Arkansas. Have fun. RWT

[@markcloer5821]

Years ago a buddy of mine had one and my most distinct memory was how bad those things beat you up on dry ground and how slow it was in the water.

[@moodiblues2]

Your pond has become so beautiful and natural looking! I’m sure it must give you plenty of pride and satisfaction.

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Remove the starter and clean and grease the bendix. You need to charge it for days to rejuvunate it.. Quit hitting it before you damage the ring gear you will bless the day you cleaned and greased the bendix. Trust me do the bendix Also should change the oil. Clean the bendix.😅😅

[@farout1220]

Argo... LOL It floats but it's not a boat! Both of ours had bilge pumps yours should too if you go in water. We used ours in salt marshes mowing phragmites carrying, lifting, towing, way more weight than they were ever meant to, they did well until the salt water thinned out the frame then they were just a maintenance nightmare. My best day was when the Brokanic (The Mechanic Who Doesn't Read Repair Manuals) who was constantly setting the idle too high which trashed the transmission and attempted to rebuild the transmission himself instead of waiting for me to get it. The Transmission is a step by step checklist in the repair manual which must be followed exactly in the manual or you break things. He succeeded in bending the last side cover and bending an arm for an idler gear on the casing. So the cost of the side cover & casing is the same as a new transmission and the transmission was over a couple of grand so they were done pouring money into them. We had just gotten a Marshmaster which was better suited to our operation so It was a good day for me. We had an epoxy in a dual syringe with a mixing tube which was great for hull repairs. I'll see if I can find out the name of it for you, your hull looks like it is in pretty bad shape...

[@SteveandSusiesHomestead]

Like everything that has an engine . I remember sanctioned races with those things here in Michigan . They would put full roll cages on them and when they flipped , it would roll right over and keep on going. Fun the watch. You need a duns cycle to go with it. Bring back the 70,s .

[@AnomadAlaska]

This brought back good memories for me. Argos were popular when I lived in Fairbanks a couple/few decades ago. All I could afford back then was an old pickup and boots. Still brought meat to the table.

[@leer-winnobbeefarms2131]

A blast from the past! Cool machine! Have fun with it! I, too, would have lost a bet on it coming out of the pond! Lee

[@farout1220]

They can have tracks put on over the tires which make them quite good in mud. They are a PainInTheAzz putting them on and off but the high centered problem goes away when you use them.

[@stephenellis3430]

Always wanted one of those 8 wheel amphibious vehicles. Remember having a ride in one in the 80s at a farm equipment show. Enjoying your renovation video today.

[@Tommy-K4BWN]

Anytime you leave equipment setting up if you've got cheap gas in it with ethanol always used Sta- bil gas stabilizer in the gas is stabilizes it keeps it fresh you don't have to worry about your gas lines being deteriorated and your carburetor having that green gum it up

[@merlepatterson]

You may have mad it out going backwards. Also, every single axle should have water-tight greased seals (possibly with zerk fittings?) which may be worn out.

[@barrypurves4524]

I'm thinking that front bracket is for a winch, toss a reasonable anchor ashore then winch yourself out as necessary. Geat vid, methodical, thoughtful..!!!!

[@carlosg1165]

Those things really suck way to slow in the water and get stuck easy loved the channel John ❤❤❤❤

[@LESWEGENER]

I had a six wheeled Allis Chamers Tera Tiger many years ago. It was same way as yours, lots of fun on land, very sluggish and cumbersome in water. The most fun I ever had was on a frozen lake ice with snow on top and lots of cattails near the shore. You get some speed and then slid it sideways through several thousand dead brown cattails!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheBibliofilus]

A nice side project would be to make your own tracks for it, bending a lot of metal hoops, lots of flatbar and angle irons and some high quality rubber mat...

[@amphibiousone7972]

Looks like fun. I think the oil in the cylinders is misaligned rings. The oil control rings are also probably worn. The nice line of oil is likely from the compression ring gaps being in line with each other. That's my best guess.

[@bubalou22]

Hey John... you can "trick" the new battery chargers. They have a safety that needs tonsee a minimum voltage to start. So if you jump it for a few mins with another battery it will start to charge. Then remove the jumper battery or battery pack and the way it will go. If it's really low you light need the jumper battery on longer. Hope ya see this love the videos.

[@oldpup2182]

Nice. At least you know why there is a winch plate on the front. :)

[@randyolson415]

Mine ran great,the fuel line runs along the rightside,I put all new rubbergasline and in line filter up by engine.easy to find and maintain.

[@ronrichmond4694]

Great video...I think that scope will prove very useful , very clear image. 👍❤️👍

[@anthonysimonhough9691]

Hi , thanks for the great movie. Listening to you discuss the battery charging,the method I use to charge a old or dead flat battery is by attaching another battery in series and charge them both at the same time . I hope this helps.

[@MakeItGreatAgain55]

Im currently doing a restoration of my newly aquired 2015 Argo 750HDi 8x8. I posted the first 3 parts of the restoration and am currently working on part 4. They are such a simple machine.

[@TheNikitis]

The damage to the piston walls looks alright, if you run it a lot in the recent short time it will clean up better and act like a break in process again. So run it a little hard, otherwise those rust spots will get larger faster. Unfortunately once they start if it's not completely eliminated it will never stop rusting. But if you can get the majority out of it, it should store well for years to come. So Give it a break in period like it's a new engine.

[@SocioecologicalInterdependance]

Good engine. Very simple reliable. I had same engine same argos. Same on both of mine, that starter gear. Take engine out (easy), take starter off and clean and light sand the spring and gear shaft. Grease (light if winter use! I learned that the hard way!), reassemble. Might as well adjust the valves while engine is apart.

[@kev90sc]

KT 17 kohlers were kind of notorious for oil consumption and blowing up. I used to collect red cub cadet lawn tractors. 682's, 782's also came with this engine.

[@SocioecologicalInterdependance]

Chain tensioners. Used argos always need new chains too, they are only really good for maybe 100-150 hours for the Chinese aftermarket chains, and maybe 300 out of the good ones (oem). Next is the brakes! They are bound to be warn. I drove from Cornwallis Island to Bathurst Island, Nunavut, having a supply of hard snow and ice beside my to throw on the overheated brakes every few minutes. Have fun! hehe. might need bearings all way round too....

[@Battle_Boat_]

I really wanted to see if it would have done better trying to back out of the pond. Great video as usual. Just ordered that scope looks awesome

[@ianandrews4518]

Great little project and great video . Wd40 has many uses but it eats rubber ! It was developed by NASA as a cleaner and water displacer . Silicon oil is best for fitting difficult hoses . I would replace that fuel filter . Thanks for the video

[@tuoppi42]

On trying to get back to the solid ground, it looked like it started turning the side whose wheels made contact with mud towards beach. Not that you would have massive momentum going forward, you could try rocking the vehicle so that the other side would dig in as well. I remember seeing those vehicles in some kind of hunting gear magazines as a kid, but I never saw anyone own or drive one.

[@TheAussieRepairGuy]

Stand in the back when on water, for better balance and exiting. I also use a sand anchor and winch to exit sloppy terrain. I use a trolling motor, and put a 44kg battery in thd jerry can holder on the back, and it rides pretty level. The tries are on bacwards which helps it swim, but means reverse exits are easier as the chevron pattern grips better.

[@owensbama1923]

Stick with the original tires. They will be best all around. Seal the upper and lower halves. Check the bearings most people neglect them and they will leak water. You have some blowby on your rings. Other than that just a rock entry to the pond and you are good.

[@wadepg]

Awesome piece of kit Jon! I build motor bikes and wrench on my cars. I love your engineer`s brain. My bestie is a 74 year old body man/hillbilly. I learn a lot from you all. Thanks for the content. I wait patiently for every video of yours. My buddy George watches your stuff when he come to visit me. I purposfully put it on. He is unbreakable attention wise when i put you on. He doesn`t have computer/internet knows.. He is amazed. lol

[@chuckmazza3340]

I really enjoy your videos and your approach to the different problem-solving. I was wondering if the Argo has a reverse gear ? If so try backing out of the water. Again I really enjoyed the channel .

[@michaeldietrich475]

Wow,great video. Had an Attrex in the 70s...terrible machine with 2 stroke engine and planetary drives. The bilge pump suggestion is a good idea. I knew i was in trouble when i ordered parts and they offered to sell the company. Would have been great maybe with a 4 stroke engine and hydrostatic trannys. When it ran it was a blast to run, but that wasnt very often.

[@BrorAppelsin]

Marty T fixed one of these as well, his channel is definitely worth a look.

[@iamwonderFil]

kiwi farmcraft

[@michaelliese3809]

While coming to shore, rock it side to side. Or buy some Adair Tracks. They are pricey, but you will never get stuck. Also invest in a winch just in case you need to pull out a normal ATV. Me and my friend has gone thru peanut butter mud over 4 feet deep. But Adair Tracks will solve your problem. Also check the wheel bearings. Also keep your drive chains lubed up and check all your grease fittings. Wheel bearings have a grease fittings outside and inside.

[@pendarischneider]

Possible idea to explore for the problem with floating trim. Agree you need more weight in the back but not so much you have to take it out when extra people or gear get loaded. If the weight is added in the place of a rear bumper and floats when submerged you may be able to get a sweet spot... not too heavy on land while still pulling the back end down when on the water. And, if there is a bigger load in the back, it won't pull if down any further. Maybe a block of hardwood, or similar heavy but buoyant object. Adding to the other comments you do need an engineered entry/exit point to the dam, but that's just another video so it's no problem 😩

[@jcondon1]

Great catch on the governor adjustment.

[@FarmCraft101]

Thanks Jim. Much of what I know of governors I learned from you. 👍🏻

[@densamme1752]

A load rac in the back helps with the balance 5° up in the front is max before you start having problems with water coming in over the stern when deaccelerating but you want a higher front than back or the pan high center's you when leaving water. Skilled people can ride the compressed bow wave to get more lift as they hit shore, not me tho 😂. There was a lot of discussion about different threads for front vs back axel use to get out of water. Today I would have a "ballast tank in the back and used a electric pump for adjusting tilt in the water. Rides much better with a monkey in the back a la sidecar racing. And if you have a small motorcycle engine you can lighten the front quite a lot.

[@mattlafy]

A ballast tank and pump is a great idea to control the attack with and without passengers/cargo

[@darrinstone49]

The problem with Wiskers is the reason no one uses the amp gauges anymore. A simple volt meter & put in a 6-8 gauge charge wire. You could have rigged the field wire through an old blower resistor & or just switch it for temporary charging. Suggest running a dc braker to a posative buss bar & another negotiate buss behind the dash so you have a unlimited power & ground for relays & new fuse blocks. We ran all push pull breakers out of an airplan. They are amazing!

[@alcopower5710]

What psi did you have in the tires? That would make a big difference when trying to climb out of the pond. Sorry if I missed it.

[@martinvs6415]

Thanks

[@DrFiero]

Unless you're using pure ethanol free fuel (ha!), suggest changing out the fuel line (anywhere that's rubber) or it'll dissolve. And those starters are notorious for the bendix not extending. They get dirt/grit on the shaft and they just stick no matter how fast you spin 'em. I have to douse mine in brake clean every few summer months to clean it out. It's just as hard (or worse!) to get out for a proper cleaning.

[@FarmCraft101]

I actually use ethanol free in all my gasoline farm equipment. We have a fuel tank that we get filled annually with it.

[@edwarddiekhoff859]

Funny! Farmers growing corn to turn it into ethanol, and a farmer using ethanol-free gasoline.

[@markreichert801]

Been watching of and on for some time now . I ride ATV 's all over Colorado. My thoughts were more aggressive tires might help. Still looks like a blast to play with.

[@Tillyface89]

The Noco chargers generally have overrides or battery rescue modes that will charge and try to recondition a dead battery.

[@terriblet4145]

I belive the hose is for the fan to cool the brakes. You have an excavator... clean out the muck in a couple of areas for launch and return??? Could harden them a bit with flat rock, large rip rap, cement slabs like a boat launch etc. Good luck uith the new toy.

[@Narwaro]

Considering how its front-heavy, maybe you could have gotten out by trying to drive out in reverse.