By Gord Young on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Bob, the ARGO operators Manual recommends that you oil your chains every 10 hours of operation. Additionally it recommends that the chains be oiled with an Argo packaged spray oil.

Personally I turn to the folks who are most familiar with chain maintenance. I spoke to a local ATV/Dirt Bike dealer who recommended a good spray oil. I use a product called "Chain Wax" which sprays on like a thin oil film then settles to a waxy film which does not fling off nor absorb water readily.

Where did you get a specification of a "number 30" oil from? Do you mean SAE 30 weight oil for the engine? If so you'll find a better oil recommendation chart from Briggs and Stratton at www.briggsandstratton.com They too recommend SAE 30 oil, however beware this depends on temperature ranges expected. Up here in Canada, SAE 30 oil wold lead to engine damage during the fall and winter months, so I use Synthetic oil, which Briggs and Stratton recommend as well. You'll note that ARGO does not include this recommendation. Go with the engine manufacturer on this one. I did.

As far as how much oil to spray on is concerned, it depends on how regularly you lubricate them. How long is a piece of string?!!

Beware that you have to remove and thoroughly clean the chains every 100 hours of operation. This is a big job but will extend the life of your chains SIGNIFICANTLY. I just did it. I used Varsol in a storage tub with a brush. Good luck though, it takes Time!!

Cheers,

Gord

By Harry Dusseau (Dirtyharry) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

BOB-
I personally use spray-on type chain lube. I try (emphasize "TRY!") to oil them at least one every week or so. More if it's really dusty, or if I've been doing a lot of riding. I don't think you can over-oil your drive chains. Keep that in mind when you wonder how often is too often. A few squirts of oil is much cheaper than a few yards of chain!!!

By MaxRules (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I just lubed my chains a few days ago with spray on white lithium grease. It seems to work good. The chains had no lube and sat in water for about two months before that. I only lube them when I change the oil and tranny fluid. Even though they will require more adjustment with no lube, I really don't think I will ever had any chain problems as long as they are kept well adjusted. If they get streched beyond adjustment, I just cut out a link. I don't think the 14hp engine will ever have enough power to break these chains. If I had a real engine, like a 440, I might have something to worry about. I like to ride it, not work on it!

MaxRules

By Bob Bascomb on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Bob;

There is nothing in the MAX manual re: 30 wt oil. They recomend a good quality chain lube.
I called RI just to see what they would say. They suggested PJ1 Blue Lable or chain wax.

I personally use chain wax also. It stays on and is not as messy as conventional oil based chain lubes.

By Eddie Beddingfield on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Brandon, You never shorten past adjustment. The reason for this is your sprockets will soon be history.It sounds like you have a newer max, but it will be worn out way before its time.I guess this is how Richard finds his relics to restore,I just wish Richard would do more ARGO's. Maybe ARGO doesnt wear out as fast, or we take better care of them. P.S. Are you going to Deepwater ride Aug.12 and 13 I live in Illinois and would like to meet you. Also, I am an ARGO dealer. E and M ARGO SALES

By lhawk on Unrecorded Date: Edit

As a new MaxII owner, I was under the impression that the chains were "greased" not oiled. I bought a tub of marine grease and have been putting it on the chain with a paint brush. seems to last, it's water proof and I keep the inside shop-vac'ed so it stays clean. would this be ok, or do I scrap the grease and get some oil?

Rod

By MaxRules (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Eddie, A few months ago I cut out one link and put in a half link (a full link was a bit too short). This has worked great. The back left chain is out of adjustment and the other chains will be on the next adjustment. To shorten them once again, I will simply take out the half link and they will be shorter. I have noticed no wear on the sprockets and all chains are running smooth. You might be right, but so far it has caused no problems. I have a '99 Max II and I know how to run it hard!!!

I will be at Deepwater. I was there on the last ride and it is the best. I hope to see even more people there this time. It has plenty of great 6x6 terrain and enough stuck quads for everyone to pull out. I'll see you there.

MaxRules