Argo S Series User manual

Argo Service Manual Engine System
Ontario Drive & Gear Limited. www.odg.com
PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-1
SECTION EN
Engine System
Table of Contents
Briggs V Twin, Kawasaki L/C & Kohler Engine Photographs.......EN-2
General Instructions............................................................................. EN-3
Checking the Engine Oil.......................................................................EN-4
Recommended Engine Oil....................................................................EN-4
Changing the Engine Oil...................................................................... EN-5
Draining the Engine Oil........................................................................EN-5
Oil Filter Replacement..........................................................................EN-6
Refilling the Engine...............................................................................EN-7
Air Filter.................................................................................................EN-7
Spark Plugs............................................................................................EN-7
Removing the Engine(Kawasaki FD620D L/C)..................................EN-8
Assembling the Engine to the Power Pack Frame (Kawasaki).........EN-13
Installing the Engine............................................................................. EN-14
Removing the Engine(Briggs Models).................................................EN-18
Installing the Engine (Briggs Models).................................................EN-20
Removing the Engine (Kohler Aegis) Supplement Pages................ EN-20A
Installing the Engine (KohlerAegis) Supplement Pages.................. EN-25A

Engine System Argo Service Manual
Ontario Drive & Gear Limited www.odg.com
PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-2
Briggs& Stratton V Twin OHV 16, 18 & 23 H.P
Kawasaki FD620D Liquid Cooled KohlerAegis
20 H.P OHV 26H.P Carburated & 31H.P EFI

Argo Service Manual Engine System
Ontario Drive & Gear Limited. www.odg.com
PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-3
General Instructions
Detailed information on standard workshop and safety procedures, and general
servicing operations is not included in this manual, which has been prepared to
assist qualified service personnel. ODG assumes no responsibility or liability for
PERSONAL INJURY or VEHICLE DAMAGE which results from any servicing
procedure performed, including those instructions outlined in this manual. Before
performing a servicing operation, an individual must have determined to his/her
satisfaction that personal injury or vehicle damage will not result from the servicing
procedure or tools selected.
All engine service work should be performed by a qualified mechanic. Severe
damage and/or reduced performance can result from an improperly serviced engine.
Basic engine servicing information is provided in this section of the manual. For
more detailed servicing operations please refer to the proper engine service manual
listed in the chart below.
Models Engine Engine Service Manual Part Number
S, SN, BF, F Briggs & Stratton Briggs & Stratton Repair 670-33
RB, R, B, N V Twin OHV 16,18 & 23H.P Manual V Twin OHVN 670-40-1
(23H.P)
C, CB, A Kawasaki FD620D Four Stroke Liquid Cooled 99924-2030-03
Kawasaki Service Manual
NV, NH Kohler Aegis 26 & 31H.P Kohler Service Manual TP-2527-A

Engine System Argo Service Manual
Ontario Drive & Gear Limited www.odg.com
PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-4
Recommended Engine Oil
Engine Oil Information
Checking the Engine Oil Level
The BRIGGS & STRATTON VANGUARD (Figure EN-1) and KAWASAKI engines
(Photo EN-2) are equipped with a dipstick and a separate oil filler tube. To check the oil
level, clean the area around the dipstick before removing. Remove the dipstick and wipe
it with a clean cloth. Re-insert the dipstick and push it all the way into the tube. Remove
the dipstick and check the oil level. The oil level should be between the marks. If the
level has dropped, add oil to bring the level up to the FULL mark. DO NOT
OVERFILL.
EN-2
Do not run the engine if the oil level is above the FULL mark or below the ADD
mark. Premature engine damage or total engine failure can occur when the oil level
is not properly maintained.
EN-2a
To check the oil during an operating period, shut the engine off, let it cool down and allow
the oil time to drain into the sump before checking the oil level. Position the vehicle so
the engine is level.
Check the engine oil level each day before operating the engine.
EN-1
Use a high quality detergent oil of API
(American Petroleum Institute) service class
as listed below. Choose the correct viscosity
of oil for seasonal driving conditions. See
chart following page.

Argo Service Manual Engine System
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PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-5
Briggs & StrattonAPI Service Class SE, SF or SG

Engine System Argo Service Manual
Ontario Drive & Gear Limited www.odg.com
PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-6
IMPORTANT
When draining the oil on the Briggs 18h.p or 16 h.p V Twin engines, it is advisable to
remove it from the drain plug located between the engine and transmission (same
side as the oil filter). To provide a good view of the draining area and avoid any
spills into the lower body, it is best to remove the driven clutch and drive belt as well.
Remove the clamp securing the brake cooling duct to its mounting bracket and tilt it
up and out of the line of view of the drain plug area. Position the container beneath
the drain plug and remove the plug. Refer to Removing the Drive Belt and
Removing the Driven Clutch in section CS of this service guide if necessary.
During the initial engine break-in period, change the oil after the first 8 hours of operation
for Briggs & Stratton and 20 hours of operation for the Kawasaki. After the break-in
period, change the engine oil every 50 operating hours, or more frequently if the vehicle is
operated in dusty or dirty conditions.
Changing Engine Oil
Draining the Engine Oil
Each engine is equipped with a drain plug for draining the oil. The drain plug location for
the Kawasaki FD620D and Kohler Aegis engines is beneath the driver clutch. Photo EN-
2a Remove the drive belt for easier access to the drain plug.
1. Start and warm up the engine so the oil will drain easily.
3. Place a suitable container under oil drain of engine and remove drain plug with a
wrench: an 8 point 7/16" square socket for Briggs & Stratton engines or a 21mm
socket for Kawasaki engines.
2. Level the vehicle so the oil will drain completely.
The oil drain plug on the Briggs and Stratton engine is located at both the front and rear of
the engine block. The rear plug on the Briggs & Stratton engine is the recommended
choice for draining the oil (same side as the oil filter). See IMPORTANT on the following
page.

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PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-7
There is limited space between the engine and power pack frame. Cut down an empty
plastic container to the correct height so it will fit under the engine oil drain. Make sure
the container will hold the amount of oil in the engine.
A ziploc plastic bag makes a convenient oil container. It conforms to the space available
and can be closed securely when the oil is drained, then lifted neatly out of the engine
compartment.
4. When all the oil has been drained from the engine, clean and replace the drain plug.
MAKE SURE it is properly tightened before refilling the engine.
5. See Oil Filter Replacement Below.
PLEASE DISPOSE OF WASTE OIL PROPERLY TO CONSERVE OUR ENVI-
RONMENT.
Oil Filter Replacement
During the initial engine break-in period, change the oil filter (Part No. 126-95 for Briggs
& Stratton engines and Part No. 127-68 for Kawasaki engines) when the oil is changed.
After that, change the oil filter every 50 hours.
Before installing the new filter, lubricate the rubber filter gasket with fresh engine oil.
Screw the filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the filter adapter. Tighten 1/2 to 3/4
turn more. Add the specified oil. See previous page for oil capacities based on the engine
powering your vehicle. Start and run engine to check for oil leaks. Stop engine and re-
check oil level. Add oil if required.

Engine System Argo Service Manual
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PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-8
Refill the engine through the oil fill port with the correct amount of oil (Photo EN-1 & 2
on page EN-4). Make sure the appropriate grade of oil is used (page EN-5). As you add
oil, frequently check the level with the dipstick. Do not overfill. Start engine. Check for
leaks. Stop the engine. Check the oil level. Add oil only to the “Full” or “H” mark on
the dipstick.
Refilling the Engine
Air Filter
Spark Plugs
When replacing spark plugs on the Kawasaki FD620D Liquid Cooled OHV Engine,
it is extremely important to pay strict attention to the specification number of the
engine being serviced. All Conquest vehicles manufactured prior to vehicle serial
number CB17857 require spark plug part number 92070-2072. Vehicles produced
from CB17857 with a specification number of HS12 or later require spark plug
number 92070-2112.
Kawasaki has made changes to the Cylinder Heads, Head composition, & spark plugs
of the FD620D. The newer spark plugs are longer and will cause damage if used in
an older spec. engine.
All ARGO engines are equipped with a foam precleaner and dry paper air filter element
housed in an air cleaner assembly attached to the carburetor.
Wash and oil the precleaner after every 25 hours of operation or more often under
extremely dusty or dirty conditions.
Check the paper air filter element every 100 hours of operation or more often under
extremely dusty or dirty conditions.
For instructions to remove, clean and replace the air filter components, refer to the air
cleaner section of the engine owner’s manual.
Remove and inspect the spark plugs after every 100 hours of operation. Clean the plugs
and reset the gap as detailed in the engine owner’s manual.
Replace the spark plugs if the electrodes are corroded or damaged or if the insulator is
cracked. Use the correct plug for the engine as detailed in the engine owner’s manual.
Re-install the spark plugs carefully, taking care to start the threads properly. Torque the
plugs to 10 - 15 ft. lbs (14 to 20 N·m). Do not over tighten.

Argo Service Manual Engine System
Ontario Drive & Gear Limited. www.odg.com
PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-9
Removing the Engine (FD620D Kawasaki Liquid Cooled OHV)
Accessing the 4 mounting bolts that secure the engine to the power pack frame requires
the power pack frame to be removed from the vehicle. Both engine and transmission can
be removed through the engine access opening using an overhead hoist. You may prefer
to remove the transmission first before lifting engine and frame through the hood area..
2. Locate and remove the engine access cover. Photo EN-3
3. Separate the main wire harness from the nylon clips securing it at the back of the
engine. Photo EN-4
EN-3 EN-4
4. Disconnect the main engine wire harness plug located between engine and transmis-
sion. Photo EN-5
5. Remove the starter cable at the electric starter. Photo EN-6
EN-5 EN-6
1. Perform the servicing procedure, Removing the Battery in section ES of this serv-
ice guide.

Engine System Argo Service Manual
Ontario Drive & Gear Limited www.odg.com
PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-10
6. Disconnect the ground wire (leading from the battery ground terminal post), at the
engine.
7. Remove the radiator overflow bottle at the front of the engine.
Conquests manufactured prior to CB14963 have an O.D.G overflow bottle and holder to
remove. Conquests manufactured from CB14963 utilize a Kawasaki bottle secured
directly to the upper radiator bracket.
8. Unclip the fuel line from the nylon clips at the front of the engine.
9. Remove the engine air filter cover and air element. Photo EN-7
10. Remove the 7 fasteners securing the plastic base of the air filter housing.
Photo EN-8
EN-7 EN-8
When removing the 3 fasteners securing the base closest to the mouth of the
carburetor, be aware of the 3 metal inserts in each mounting hole. These may pull
out when removing the fastener. Caution is advised to ensure that they do not fall
into the throat of the carburetor undetected. Severe engine damage will occur if this
has not been observed.
11. Remove the 2 nuts securing the lower metal base of the air filter system to the
carburetor, and remove.
Once the metal base has been removed, temporarily reinstall the 2 nuts to secure the
carburetor lid.

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PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-11
12. Disconnect the fuel line at the carburetor. Photo EN-9
13. Disconnect the choke at the dash.
EN-9 EN-10
On Conquests manufactured prior to CB14606, remove the molded panel nut at the dash
and slip the assembly back through the body into the engine compartment.
14. Perform the servicing procedure, Removing the Muffler and Shroud (Conquest),
steps 1-6 on page DE-3 (models prior to C19672) or steps 1-2 on page DE-7 (mod-
els from C19672).
15. Disconnect the intake hose at the brake cooling duct. Photo EN-11
16. Remove the front pivot mounting bolt securing the power pack frame to the lower
main frame. Photo EN-12
Conquests manufactured from CB14606, require that the choke be disconnected at the
throttle/choke control panel. Photo EN-10 The choke knob is molded to the end of the
cable and does not thread off.
IMPORTANT
Before proceeding any further, be sure to cover the mouth of the carburetor with a
rag, or other option. This will prevent anything from entering the carburetor
unintentionally.

Engine System Argo Service Manual
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PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-12
EN-12
EN-11
17. Perform the servicing procedure, Removing the Drive Belt in section CS of this
service guide.
18. Perform the servicing procedure, Removing the Driven Clutch, in section CS of
this service guide.
20. Locate the (3) mounting bolts that secure the steering and master cylinder assembly
to the transmission and remove them. Photo EN-13
21. Disconnect the wiring at the igniter box which is mounted to the steering assembly.
Photo EN-14
EN-13 EN-14
22. Unfasten the twist grip assembly from the steering handle and remove it.
Photo EN-15
19. Perform the servicing procedure, Removing the Brake Pads ( Hydraulic ) steps 1-
4, in section BR of this service guide.
23. Remove the entire hydraulic brake system from the vehicle. The calipers, master
cylinders and brake lines can all remain attached without the loss of any brake fluid.
Photo EN-16

Argo Service Manual Engine System
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PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-13
25. Loosen off the 2 power pack mounting bolts that run through the power pack frame
and connect it with the lower main frame. One is located in front of the idler shaft,
the other behind. Photo EN-17
26. Loosen off the dash support and turn it 90 degrees. Photo EN-18
28. Attach an overhead hoist to the front
engine hook only. This hook is located
on the exhaust manifold. Photo EN-20
24. Perform the servicing procedure, Idler Chain Removal, in section WA of this serv-
ice guide.
EN-15 EN-16
EN-18EN-17
27. Remove the driven clutch guard from
the transmission. It is secured with (2)
bolts and (2) flatwashers.
Photo EN-19
EN-19

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29. Gradually and gently begin to raise the power pack assembly out of the engine ac-
cess opening. Photo EN-21 You may have to pry the transmission from the driver’s
compartment to free it from the lower main frame.
EN-20 EN-21
30. Set the power pack on a clean work bench and remove the 4 bolts that secure the
engine to the frame. These bolts are threaded into the engine block from below.
Photo EN-22
31. Using the overhead hoist, remove the engine from the power pack frame.
Photo EN-23
EN-22 EN-23
If the engine is being replaced, you will need to remove all Argo components that are not
available with the new engine. These will need to be reassembled to the new engine.
Components include, throttle cable, choke cable, exhaust manifold, driver clutch, etc.
Assembling the Engine to the Power Pack Frame (Kawasaki)
1. Position the engine on to the power pack frame and align the holes in the block with
the holes of the frame. Photo EN-24

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PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-15
2. Apply blue 242 LOCTITE to the threads of each mounting bolt and install. Torque
to specifications.
3. Attach the overhead hoist to the front engine hook and lower the power pack into the
vehicle through the engine access opening. The power pack assembly will go in
vertically with the transmission entering the vehicle first. Photo EN-25
EN-24
IMPORTANT
As the power pack is lowered into the vehicle, position yourself inside the drivers
compartment. Lift up on the transmission and align the power pack frame with the
vehicle main frame.
4. Position the power pack frame on to the lower main frame and install the front
mounting pivot bolt. Be sure to install the square lockwasher to the mountng bolt
head. Photo EN-26. The bolt is installed from left to right when standing at the
front of the vehicle.
5. Assemble the rear power pack mounting bolt, complete with spacers and
square washers, through the power pack frame. Photo EN-27
EN-26 EN-27
Installing the Engine (Kawasaki FD620D L/C)
EN-25

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PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-16
6. Lower the rear of the power pack frame aligning the mounting bolt with the main
frame. Photo EN-28
7. Install the 3rd mid mounting bolt paying close attention to the hardware that is re-
quired along with it. See your illustrated parts manual. Photo EN-29
EN-28 EN-29
On vehicles manufactured prior to serial
number CB17117, ensure that the air intake
duct seal at the radiator, is properly seated
back up against the face of the radiator
assembly. Photo EN-30.
EN-30
8. Reconnect the hose at the brake cool-
ing duct.
9. Perform the servicing procedure, Installing the Muffler and Shroud (Conquest
Models), in section DE of this service guide.
ii. Slip the over flow bottle back into the holder and connect the hose.
On Conquests manufactured prior to CB14963:
i. Reattach the radiator overflow bottle holder at the front of the engine.
On Conquests manufactured from CB14963:
i. Attach the radiator over flow bottle directly to the upper rad bracket installing the 2
required spacers at each mounting bolt. re-insert the overflow hose.

Argo Service Manual Engine System
Ontario Drive & Gear Limited. www.odg.com
PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-17
10. Reconnect the fuel line at the carburetor and secure with the hose clamp.
11. Secure the fuel line to the nylon clips at the front of the vehicle.
12. Assemble the lower metal air filter plate to the top of the carburetor. Photo EN-31
13. Assemble the plastic air filter base to the top of the previously installed metal back-
ing plate, Photo EN-32, being sure to reconnect the tube from the base to the air
breather assembly on top of the engine.
EN-31 EN-32
14. Reinstall the air filter element with foam precleaner, and assemble the cover to the
top of the engine.
15. Reconnect the main engine wire harness located between the engine and transmis-
sion.
16. Reconnect the starter cable at the electric starter and cover with the rubber boot.
17. Secure the main engine harness to the nylon clips between the engine and transmis-
sion.
18. Reconnect the ground wire from the negative battery post terminal to the engine.
19. Reconnect the choke cable assembly.
On Conquests manufactured prior to CB14606, slip the assembly back through the body
at the dash and secure with the molded panel nut. It was not required that the choke was
disconnected at the throttle/choke control panel for engine removal, but if it was, you will
need to reattach it at the linkage as well.
On Conquests manufactured from CB14606, reconnect the cable to the throttle/choke
control panel. It was not required that the choke knob was removed at the dash when the
engine was prepared for removal..

Engine System Argo Service Manual
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PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-18
20. Reposition the adjustable dash support
back down to the top of the transmis-
sion and secure the carriage bolt. Photo
EN-33
21. Perform the servicing procedure, Idler
Chain Installation and Idler Chain
Adjustment in section WAof this serv-
ice guide.
22. Reinstall the steering assembly to the transmission securing it with 3 bolts and
lockwashers. Photo EN-34
23. Reattach the hydraulic brake calipers. Apply blue 242 Loctite to the threads of the
mounting bolts and torque to specifications. See step 2 of Installing the Brake
Pads (Hydraulic), if necessary.
EN-33
EN-34
24. Reconnect the ignition system at the ig-
niter box.
25. Reinstall the clutch guard. Apply blue
242 LOCTITE to the threads of the 2
bolts that secure it to the transmission.
Install each bolt with 2 flat washers
Torque to specifications.
26. Perform the servicing procedure, In-
stalling the Driven Clutch, In section
CS of this service guide.
27. Perform the servicing procedure, Installing the Drive Belt, In section CS of this
service guide.
28 Perform the servicing procedure, Hydraulic Brake Plunger Adjustment, in section
BR of this service guide.
30. Perform the servicing procedure, Installing the Firewall, in section VB of this
service guide. See IMPORTANT on following page.
29. Perform the servicing procedure, Installing the Battery, in section ES of this serv-
ice guide and reconnect the wiring.

Argo Service Manual Engine System
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PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-19
IMPORTANT
Ensure that all levels of fluid (oil and antifreeze), in engine are correct before
starting the vehicle. Run the engine for 5 minutes and recheck all levels. Add or
remove as necessary.
Removing the Engine (Briggs & Stratton 16 h.p & 18h.p)
Unlike the Kawasaki FD620D L/C OHV engine, the Briggs & Stratton 16h.p and 18h.p
engines may be detached from the power pack frame without having to remove the frame
from the vehicle to access the mounting bolts. The engine may then be lifted
independently through the engine access opening using an overhead hoist. However,
initial preparations and disassemblies must be followed first.
1. Perform the servicing procedure, Removing the Firewall, in section CS of this
service guide.
2. Remove the hood.
3. Disconnect and remove the battery.
4. Perform the servicing procedure, Re-
moving the Air Intake Shroud
(Briggs Models), in section DE of this
service guide.
6. Perform the servicing procedure,
DrivenClutchRemoval, in section CS
of this service guide.
7. Remove the driven clutch guard.
8. Disconnect the hose at the brake cool-
ing duct.
9. Remove the gear clamp that secures the
brake cooling duct to its mounting
bracket, located between engine and
transmission. Remove the duct.
10. Perform the servicing procedure, Removing the Muffler(Briggs models) on page
DE-11 (Bigfoot models) or DE-8 all other Briggs models.
11. Unplug the charging wire at the front of the vehicle. Photo EN-35
EN-35
12. Disconnect the isolated ground wire at the front of the engine. Photo EN-36
5. Perform the servicing procedure,
Removing the Drive Belt, in section
CS.
EN-36

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PH. (519)- 662-2840 FAX (519)- 662-2421 EN-20
15. Locate the fuel filter at the front of the vehicle and disconnect the fuel line. Be sure
to clamp the fuel line with fuel line crimpers to prevent any fuel from leaking from
the tank into the lower body.
IMPORTANT
Never stick anything into the fuel line to plug it. This could damage the fuel line
leading to stray pieces of fuel line rubber being introduced into the fuel system when
the fuel line is reconnected.
16. Disconnect the ground cable at the engine. Photo EN-37
18. Remove all 4 mounting bolts at the lower frame. The engine is secured with 4 ny-
lon locknuts.
19. Lift the engine out of the vehicle using an overhead hoist. Photo EN-38
EN-37 EN-38
On vehicles manufactured prior to BF12097, RB17665, S12222 & SN12227:
i. Disconnect the starter cable at the starter motor.
On vehicles manufactured from BF12097, RB17665, S12222 & SN12227:
i. Disconnect the power cable at the starter relay. The starter relay is attached to the
front of the engine close to the regulator.
17. Disconnect the power cable for the electric start.
If the engine is being replaced, all Argo components must be removed first and reinstalled
on the new engine. These include driver clutch, muffler, exhaust manifold and any return
springs.
13. Disconnect the throttle cable at the engine.
14. Disconnect the choke at the engine.