Argo 6 x 6 Vanguard User manual

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
MODELS - S, SN, BF, RB, C, CB
from 1997
MANUAL NO. 671-04 Rev. 9 Printed in Canada 09/2002 5C
Do not remove this
manual from this vehicle.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT YOUR ARGO
Thank you for selecting an ARGO amphibious, off-road utility vehicle!
Ontario Drive & Gear Limited has been building ARGO vehicles since 1967. By listening care-
fully to our customers and responding to their needs, we have been constantly improving the
ARGO and will continue to do so.
Over twenty-five thousand ARGO vehicles have provided reliable service all over the world.
From Britain to the Far East, Alaska to the Antarctic, and from the tropical forests of South
America to the deserts of Saudi Arabia. We are proud to provide you with a vehicle that repre-
sents the ultimate in amphibious, all-terrain transportation.
Your safety and the safety of all ARGO users is of the greatest concern to us. You will find
numerous safety statements in this manual. Please read and follow them carefully. Always be
safety conscious when you operate your ARGO and remember it is a motorized vehicle.
The ARGO is easy to drive and you will soon be tempted to take on new challenges. Please take
the time to develop your driving skills before doing so. Observe the recommendations outlined in
this Operator’s Manual and remember; some things are just impossible, even with an ARGO.
WELCOME TO THE WORLD WIDE ARGO FAMILY!
673-25 Argo Service Video
Ontario Drive & Gear has produced a video which provides the Argo owner
with step-by-step instructions on how to perform general service procedures
on your vehicle. Everything from removal and replacement of brake pads to
rebuilding the transmission. It’s all there. Removal and replacement of en-
gines is included, however, engine overhaul is not. A separate overhaul manual
is available for each engine from your Argo dealer. Order the Service Video
from your selling dealer or from Ontario Drive & Gear directly (have your VISA
card information ready). Cost of the 4 hour video is $33.00.

Read this manual before you operate your ARGO. It contains safe operating
instructions and warns the user about potential hazards that can result in per-
sonal injury.
Warnings are identified in the text by the following symbol:
Warning text warns the user about potential hazards that can result in personal
injury or death.
Cautions are identified in the text by the following symbol:
This manual is based on the latest product information available at the time of
printing. Ontario Drive & Gear Limited reserves the right to make changes at
any time and without obligation.
Reproduction of any part of this publication is prohibited without prior written
permission.
Une version francaise du manuel d’operation est disponsible sous le numero
suivant 671-04FR. Les plaquettes d’avertissement et d’instructions qui
apparaissent sur l’Argo sont aussi disponsibles en francais sous le numero suivant
126-73.
© Ontario Drive & Gear Limited, 2000
I
Caution text contains cautions that can prevent damage to the vehicle.

PREFACE
This manual describes the controls, operation and basic maintenance procedures for all VANGUARD, VANGUARD2, BIGFOOT,
RESPONSE and CONQUEST models of the ARGO from date of printing. Please take the time to read this manual carefully, for
your safety and that of others. By following these instructions, you will ensure extended, trouble free operation of your vehicle.
For maintenance and adjustment of the engine, refer to the engine manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manual included in
your vehicle’s information package.
Before you drive your ARGO, make sure you understand how to use all controls, particularly the brakes and steering levers.
Learn how to drive your vehicle in an open level area, away from buildings, trees and other obstacles, until you are completely
familiar with its operating characteristics. Drive very slowly until your driving skills improve, and drive with caution and
consideration at all times. The risk of accident or injury is greatest during the first weeks of use. Take special care during this
period. ALWAYS RESPECT OUR ENVIRONMENT.
CAUTION TO THE ARGO OWNER/OPERATOR
•Make sure everyone who drives this vehicle receives proper operating instructions and reads this Operator’s Manual.
•No one under the age of 16 should be allowed to operate the ARGO. Children under the age of 16 may not have the skills,
abilities or judgement needed to operate the Argo safely and may be involved in an accident causing severe injury or death.
•Never allow anyone under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance to drive or ride in the vehicle.
•Wear an approved safety helmet and eye protection when driving or riding in the vehicle.
•Special operating and safety procedures described in this manual must be observed before and during water operation as
outlined in Section 5.
•When operating your vehicle for extended periods of time, we recommend the use of approved hearing protection.
•Equip your vehicle with a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.
•Equip your vehicle with basic tools for emergency repairs.
•Before starting your engine, check for spilled gasoline and wipe any up immediately. Gasoline is a potentially explosive
substance that can cause serious personal injury when ignited.
•Keep the floor pans secured in place at all times. Fingers, feet, animal tails or paws can be injured in the drive components
beneath the floor pans. The floor pans also help keep damaging debris out of the drive components.
•Make sure all passengers remain seated while the vehicle is in motion. Advise your passengers to hold onto the vehicle at all
times.
•Never overload your vehicle. Trying to steer an overloaded vehicle can overheat the brakes. This will lead to brake fade
which means loss of steering control and the ability to stop the vehicle. Overloading your vehicle can lead to premature brake
system failures and costly damage to drive chains, axles or bearings. Follow the recommended load capacity for your vehicle
listed in Section 1.
•Do not drive the vehicle at high speeds over unfamiliar or rough terrain. Personal injury or vehicle damage may result.
•Certain terrain and steep hills cannot be traversed safely with the Argo or any other vehicle. Do not attempt to drive over
terrain that is questionable.
•Do not drive your vehicle on asphalt or concrete roadways. When the vehicle turns, its tires skid on the driving surface.
Asphalt or concrete causes extensive tire wear.
•Use common sense at all times when driving your vehicle.
•The Argo engine hood is designed to stay fastened in place while the vehicle is being driven. If the Argo is transported by
truck or trailer, the hood should be removed and carried in the transport vehicle or secured in place on the Argo with rope or
tie down straps. Wind or turbulence at road speeds could result in the loss of the hood.
IMPORTANT
Operate this vehicle with safety constantly in mind. Off-road vehicles face unpredictable and often hazardous terrain conditions.
It is ultimately the operator’s responsibility to handle the vehicle safely within its limitations and to decide when and where to
travel.
II

III
NOTES

NOTES
IV

SECTION PAGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION .......................................................................................... 1
1.2 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .................................................................................. 1
1.3 WIND CHILL FACTOR .................................................................................................. 1
1.4 MODEL IDENTIFICATION............................................................................................ 1
1.4.1 Argo Vehicle Capacity ........................................................................................ 3
1.5 REAR SEATS - 8 WHEEL MODELS ............................................................................. 3
1.6 IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION OF CONTROLS ................................................ 4
1.7 INFORMATION LABELS ............................................................................................... 5
2.0 GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 NEW VEHICLE “BREAK-IN” PROCEDURE ............................................................... 6
2.2 PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ........................................................................................... 6
2.3 CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO .................................................................... 6
2.4 FUELING THE VEHICLE .............................................................................................. 7
2.5 VENTED FUEL SYSTEM - ALL MODELS .................................................................. 7
3.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 BRAKES AND STEERING ............................................................................................. 8
3.2 HOLDING BRAKE SYSTEM - Vanguard2, Bigfoot, Response & Conquest ................. 8
3.3 HOLDING BRAKE SYSTEM - Vanguard ...................................................................... 9
3.4 THROTTLE CONTROL .................................................................................................. 9
3.5 STARTING PROCEDURE .............................................................................................. 9
3.6 STOPPING THE ENGINE .............................................................................................. 10
3.7 MANUAL STARTING PROCEDURE ............................................................................ 10
3.8 SELECTING AND CHANGING TRANSMISSION GEARS ........................................ 10
3.8.1 Changing Transmission Gears ............................................................................ 11
3.9 HEADLIGHTS ................................................................................................................. 11
4.0 DRIVING PROCEDURES
4.1 DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD ...................................................................................... 12
4.2 STOPPING THE VEHICLE ............................................................................................ 12
4.3 TURNING THE VEHICLE ............................................................................................. 12
4.3.1 Left Turn ............................................................................................................. 12
4.3.2 Right Turn ........................................................................................................... 12
4.4 BACKING THE VEHICLE UP ....................................................................................... 12
4.4.1 Turning the Vehicle While Backing Up .............................................................. 12
5.0 DRIVING PROCEDURES DURING UNUSUAL CONDITIONS
5.1 REMOTE AREA USE ...................................................................................................... 13
5.2 ANGLE OF OPERATION................................................................................................ 13
5.3 UPHILL OPERATION ..................................................................................................... 13
5.4 DOWNHILL OPERATION .............................................................................................. 13
5.5 SIDE SLOPE OPERATION ............................................................................................. 14
5.6 AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION - GENERAL .................................................................... 14
5.6.1 Entering Water .................................................................................................... 15
5.6.2 Driving Procedures in Water .............................................................................. 15
5.6.3 Driving Out of Water .......................................................................................... 15
5.6.4 Outboard Motor Bracket .................................................................................... 15
5.7 WINTER OPERATION ................................................................................................... 16
5.7.1 Use on Ice Covered Bodies of Water ................................................................. 16
V

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
6.0 OIL, FILTER AND LUBRICATION INFORMATION
6.1 ENGINE OIL INFORMATION ......................................................................................... 17
6.1.1 CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL .......................................................... 17
6.1.2 RECOMMENDED ENGINE OIL ...................................................................... 17
6.1.3 CHANGING ENGINE OIL ................................................................................ 18
Draining the Engine Oil ....................................................................................... 18
Refilling the Engine ............................................................................................. 18
6.2 TRANSMISSION OIL INFORMATION .......................................................................... 18
6.2.1 CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL ............................................ 18
6.2.2 CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION OIL ......................................................... 19
Refilling the Transmission ................................................................................... 19
6.3 FILTER INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 19
6.3.1 AIR FILTER ........................................................................................................ 19
6.3.2 FUEL FILTER ..................................................................................................... 19
6.3.3 OIL FILTER ........................................................................................................ 19
6.4 LUBRICATION INFORMATION .................................................................................... 19
6.4.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................... 19
6.4.2 DRIVEN CLUTCH LUBRICATION ................................................................. 19
6.4.3 DRIVE CHAIN LUBRICATION........................................................................ 20
6.4.4 IDLER CHAIN LUBRICATION ........................................................................ 20
6.4.5 OUTER AXLE FLANGE AND BEARING LUBRICATION ........................... 21
6.4.6 IDLER SHAFT BEARING LUBRICATION - All Models ................................ 21
6.4.7 INNER AXLE BEARING LUBRICATION ....................................................... 21
7.0 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
7.1 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM .................................................................................................. 22
7.1.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................... 22
7.1.2 BATTERY - Argo Part No. 127-54 ..................................................................... 22
Checking Fluid Level .......................................................................................... 22
Cleaning the Battery Terminals and Cable Connections ..................................... 22
Cleaning the Battery ............................................................................................ 23
7.1.3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FUSES ....................................................................... 23
7.1.4 SPARK PLUGS ................................................................................................... 23
7.1.5 SPARK ARRESTER ........................................................................................... 23
7.2 DRIVE SYSTEM & TIRES .............................................................................................. 23
7.2.1 DRIVE BELT ...................................................................................................... 23
Drive Belt Removal ............................................................................................. 24
Drive Belt Installation ......................................................................................... 24
7.2.2 CLUTCH MAINTENANCE ............................................................................... 24
Clutch Inspection ................................................................................................. 25
7.2.3 DRIVE CHAINS ................................................................................................. 25
Drive Chain Removal .......................................................................................... 25
Drive Chain Installation....................................................................................... 25
7.2.4 DRIVE CHAIN TAKE-UP SYSTEM................................................................. 26
Removal of Slider Blocks .................................................................................... 27
Replacement of Slider Blocks ............................................................................. 27
VI

SECTION PAGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
7.2.5 IDLER CHAIN .................................................................................................. 27
Idler Chain Adjustment ...................................................................................... 28
Idler Chain Replacement .................................................................................... 28
Removal of Idler Chains .................................................................................... 28
Installation of Idler Chains ................................................................................. 28
7.2.6 TIRE INFLATION ............................................................................................. 29
7.2.7 TIRE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT ............................................................ 29
7.2.8 AXLE BEARING MOUNTING ....................................................................... 29
7.3 MECHANICAL BRAKES - VANGUARD ..................................................................... 29
7.3.1 GENERAL ......................................................................................................... 29
Removal of Firewall ........................................................................................... 29
Mechanical Brake Inspection Procedure ........................................................... 30
7.3.2 BRAKE CALIPER ADJUSTMENT ................................................................. 30
7.3.3 BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT ....................................................................... 30
7.3.4 STEERING LEVER ADJUSTMENT ............................................................... 31
7.3.5 HOLDING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT ............................................................... 31
Re-installation of Firewall ................................................................................. 31
7.4 HYDRAULIC BRAKES - VANGUARD2, BIGFOOT, RESPONSE & CONQUEST ... 31
7.4.1 GENERAL ......................................................................................................... 31
7.4.2 BRAKE FLUID LEVEL .................................................................................... 31
7.4.3 CHANGING BRAKE FLUID ........................................................................... 32
7.4.4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE PAD INSPECTION .................................................... 32
Firewall Removal ............................................................................................... 32
Brake Pad Inspection Procedure ........................................................................ 32
Re-installation of Brake Pads ............................................................................. 32
Re-installation of Firewall ................................................................................. 33
7.4.5 HOLDING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT ............................................................... 33
7.4.6 BRAKE COOLING SYSTEM .......................................................................... 34
7.4.7 ENGINE COOLING & EXHAUST SYSTEM ................................................. 34
7.5 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ....................................................................................... 35
8.0 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................................. 36
9.0 CLEANING AND STORAGE .................................................................................................... 38
9.1 CLEANING THE VEHICLE ........................................................................................... 38
9.2 STORING THE VEHICLE .............................................................................................. 38
Cleaning the Vehicle ......................................................................................................... 38
Drain the Fuel System ...................................................................................................... 38
Prepare the Battery for Storage ........................................................................................ 38
Protect the Electrical System ............................................................................................ 38
Raise the Vehicle ............................................................................................................. 38
Preparing the Engine for Storage ..................................................................................... 38
10.0 POTENTIAL HAZARDS ............................................................................................................ 39
11.0 ACCESSORY INFORMATION
11.1 GENERAL ............................................................................................................. 43
11.2 CARGO TIE-DOWNS (PART NO. 614-06) ................................................................... 43
VII

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
11.3 ARGO TRACK SYSTEMS (STANDARD TRACK AND SUPER TRACK) .......................... 43
11.3.1 Operating Precautions .................................................................................................. 43
11.3.2 Standard Tracks ............................................................................................................ 44
11.3.3 Super Tracks ................................................................................................................. 44
11.4 ICE CLEAT KIT (PART NOS. 625-20 & 825-20) .................................................................... 44
11.5 OUTBOARD MOTOR BRACKET (PART NO. 617-00) ......................................................... 44
11.6 OUTBOARD MOTOR SUPPORT (PART NO. 618-00) ........................................................... 45
11.7 OUTBOARD MOTOR BRACKET - SIDE MOUNT (PART NO. 618-10).............................. 45
11.8 ARGO STORAGE COVERS (PART NOS. 621-10; 621-20; 821-10; 821-20 .......................... 45
11.9 POWER WINCH (PART NOS. 622-40 & 622-70) ................................................................... 45
11.9.1 Rules for Safe Operation .............................................................................................. 45
11.9.2 Tips for Extending the Life of Your Winch .................................................................. 47
11.10 REAR MUD FLAP KIT (PART NO. 625-10) ........................................................................... 47
11.11 TRAILER HITCH KIT (PART NO. 626-10) ............................................................................. 47
11.12 BILGE PUMP KIT (PART NO. 638-25) ................................................................................... 47
11.13 HANDRAIL KITS (PART NO. 639-20 & 839-20) ................................................................... 48
11.14 TOW HOOK KIT (PART NO. 642-00) ..................................................................................... 48
11.15 WINDSHIELD (PART NO. 648-75).......................................................................................... 48
11.16 CONVERTIBLE TOP (PART NOS. 649-33, 649-50 & 849-50) .............................................. 48
11.17 ALTERNATOR KITS (PART NOS. 650-60, 850-60 & 850-40) ............................................... 49
11.17.1 Alternator Kit for Conquest ........................................................................................... 49
11.18 SNOW PLOW KIT (PART NO. 657-13) ................................................................................... 49
11.19 AMPHIBIOUS TRAILER (PART NO. 695-75) ........................................................................ 49
11.19.1 Operating Precautions .................................................................................................... 49
11.20 HEATER KIT - CONQUEST (Part No. 848-10) ....................................................................... 50
11.21 ROLL OVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES (PART NOS. 848-40-2 & 848-40-4 ................ 50
11.22 REAR BENCH SEAT (PART NO. 849-60) ............................................................................... 50
11.23 DUMP BOX KIT (PART NOS. 835-00 & 835-01) ................................................................... 51
11.23.1 Dump Box Operating Guidelines ................................................................................. 51
11.24 ROLL BAR KIT (PART NO. 648-15) ....................................................................................... 51
11.25 12V ACCESSORY OUTLET KIT (PART NO. 633-25) ........................................................... 51
APPENDIX
1 SPECIAL TOOLS
VICE GRIP MODIFICATIONS ................................................................................................. 52
VIII