By Stan Goldsmith on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I recently bought my dads 8 wheel Argo and was ready to go have fun last weekend when I noticed it had fuel leaking out of the small chamber that connects to the fuel line and then continues on to the carburator. The top of the box had four screws, when I removed the top plate I found there was a gasket that looked like it needed replaced. I went to my local Schucks auto store but had no luck finding the part even though they say they carry Kohler parts. They had similar parts but nothing that was the correct size/part. I think the guy at Schucks called it a power assist. (excuse me if I'm calling it by the wrong name).

The Engine is a 17HP Kohler model KT17QS and the Argo was new in 1986. Other than this little problem it runs just fine.

So to make a long story long, where do I find the part I need hopefully somewhere in Washington state where I live or somewhere else that delivers quickly?

Hunting Season is almost here and I really dont want to carry that huge bull elk I plan on shooting by myself!

Any help would be appreciated!

By the way on a side note I love this site, it was like finding gold in my back yard!

Stan

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I assume it is a magnum. which means 18HP. No argo had 17 hp kohler in it, I can't help but would love to see a pic of your machine!

By Another Rider (Another_rider) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Well, I have the exact same motor in my machine. A 1985 I/C. So I must correct you on your statement David, many machines in the mid eighties had 17 HP. As for parts, any Kohler dealer should know what you are after, you give them the model#, SN#, and Spec# of the engine and they can find it. I would try a different dealer. As many try to be the 'all dealer' for 'all engines', and tend not be bothered with older motors. I tried several in my area that had Kohler stamped in their Yellow Pages ads bigger than life before I came up with one that was on the ball.

By Stan Goldsmith on Unrecorded Date: Edit

David,

I'm not trying to argue with you because you probably know a heck of a lot more about Argos then I do, but the engine is a KT17QS which is the Kohler KT series 17HP Quiet System motor. From what I've found online it was also used in series 317 John Deer tractors as well. My dad bought this Argo new in 1986 when we lived in Alaska and to my knowledge he never replaced the engine.

I did find a note online though that earlier versions of this engine had a problem with proper lubrication of the engine (see attached link). Fortunetly my engine is one of the later models that they corrected the problem on. So they may not have used it in very many models of the Argo since the earlier version got a bad rep.

http://www.weekendfreedommachines.org/300/model300.html

I've have however located a parts dealer online out of Oklahoma who sells Kohler parts and hopefully will have what I'm looking for, but I was really hoping to find something a little closer to Seattle.

I dont have picture of my Argo at this time but will work on getting one and see if I can get it posted.

Thanks for the response.

Stan

By Stan goldsmith on Unrecorded Date: Edit

David short update. I was screwing around on E Bay and they have my exact model for sale right now (see link) including several pictures. The only difference is mine's not quite as pristine as his and its orange. Wish I had the a way to get it Seattle I might bid on it just to have the spare parts (at least that's what I'd tell my wife).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1863283567

Stan

By liflod (Liflod) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Sounds like your fuel pump is leaking.

By Stan Goldsmith on Unrecorded Date: Edit

liflod,

You are correct! what I was describing turned out to be the fuel pump. I got ahold of the main Kohler website today and found their dealer link. Turns out I have a Kohler dealer in my area. Once I explained what I was talking about he said it was the fuel pump as well. He can get me the fuel pump in about two days so I shold be back up and running in the next couple of days.

Thanks to everyone for the input.

Stan

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I stand corrected.I had no idea that they ever used a 17 HP engine in the ARGO's. I thought it was the 16 HP techumshit them the 18 kohler with the briggs in between.

My appologies to all.

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Stan, Thanks for the link. I want that beast badly

If only I wasn't 17, in school, and already have an ARGO, I would have that one. I have always wanted to collect "Classic" ARGO atvs but unfortunatly, I have to get through school get a good job, get a drivers license, and then consider it. Hopefully, their will still be a few classics around by the time I can afford them!

Check out my updated website--I will post pictures if you want, but that is why we have Richard here, but I will post them. www.argomag.50megs.com

By Stan Goldsmith on Unrecorded Date: Edit

David,

Yeah it looks like a pretty nice rig. I'm a little surprised that for 1986 model it's already up to around $4,100 with a couple of days to go on the auciton yet. It's already out of my range considering it would cost me $400-$500 to even ship it here. I sent a E Mail to the seller on it and she said the high bidder at that point was talking about shipping it to Alaska! He must really want that rig bad.

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Stan, I want it bad. I an on the verge of going crazy. It si now my background on my computer. I am wishing now and probably always.