Ontario drive & gear Centaur v2001g User manual

OPERATOR’S

MANUAL

Ontario Drive & Gear Limited

P.O. Box 280, 220 Bergey Court

New Hamburg, Ontario N0B 2G0

Telephone: (519) 662-2840, Fax: (519) 662-2421

www.odg.com/centaur

MANUAL NO. 671-100 Rev.1 Printed in Canada 06/2002 1.5C

V2001G V2001DT

Do not remove this

manual from this vehicle.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT YOUR CENTAUR

Thank you for selecting a CENTAUR amphibious, off-road utility vehicle!

Ontario Drive & Gear Limited has been building off road vehicles since 1967. By listening carefully to our

customers and responding to their needs, we have been constantly improving them and will continue to do

so.

Over twenty-five thousand 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 represents the ultimate in amphibious, all-terrain

transportation.

Your safety and the safety of all CENTAUR 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 CENTAUR and remember it is a motorized vehicle.

The CENTAUR 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 Opera-

tor’s Manual and remember; some things are just impossible, even with a CENTAUR.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD WIDE CENTAUR FAMILY!

Centaur Service Manual

Ontario Drive & Gear has a service manual which provides the Centaur owner

with step-by-step instructions on how to perform full service procedures on

your vehicle. Everything from removal and replacement of brake pads to re-

building the transmission. It’s all there. Removal and replacement of engines is

included, however, engine overhaul is not. A separate overhaul manual is avail-

able for each engine from your Centaur dealer. Order the service manual on

CD-ROM from your dealer or from Ontario Drive & Gear directly.

Read this manual before you operate your CENTAUR. It contains safe operating instructions

and warns the user about potential hazards that can result in personal injury. Warnings are iden-

tified in the text by the following symbol:

The manual also contains operating cautions that can prevent damage to the vehicle. 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.

PREFACE

This manual describes the controls, operation and basic maintenance procedures for all CENTAUR vehicles from when first

produced. Please take the time to read this manual carefully, for your safety and that of others. By following these instruc-

tions, 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 in-

cluded in your vehicle’s information package.

Before you drive your CENTAUR, make sure you understand how to use all controls, particularly the brakes and steering

system. 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 CENTAUR 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 CENTAUR. Children under the age of 16 may not have the

skills, abilities or judgement needed to operate the Centaur 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 5.6.

• The use of approved hearing protection is recommended.

• 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 fuel and wipe any up immediately. Any fuel 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 damage the steering system. Overloading your

vehicle can lead to costly damage to steering system, transmission, drive chains, axles or bearings. Follow the recom-

mended 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 Centaur or any other vehicle. Do not attempt to drive

over terrain that is questionable.

• Use common sense at all times when driving your vehicle.

IMPORTANT

Operate this vehicle with safety constantly in mind. Off-road vehicles face unpredictable and often hazardous terrain condi-

tions. It is ultimately the operator’s responsibility to handle the vehicle safely within its limitations and to decide when and

where to travel.

NOTES

III

NOTES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

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 Centaur Vehicle Capacity .................................................................................................................. 3

1.5 IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION OF CONTROLS ............................................................................... 3

1.6 CE MARKED CENTAURS ............................................................................................................................ 3

1.7 INFORMATION LABELS .............................................................................................................................. 4

2.0 GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION

2.1 NEW VEHICLE “BREAK-IN” PROCEDURE .............................................................................................. 5

2.2 PRE-OPERATION CHECKS .......................................................................................................................... 5

2.3 CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO .................................................................................................. 5

2.4 FUELING THE VEHICLE ............................................................................................................................. 5

Centaur 950 - Gasoline ................................................................................................................................... 6

Centaur 950DT - Diesel .................................................................................................................................. 6

2.5 VENTED FUEL SYSTEM ............................................................................................................................. 6

3.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 STEERING ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

3.2 BRAKES .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

3.3 PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE ............................................................................................................... 7

3.4 THROTTLE CONTROL ................................................................................................................................. 7

3.5 STARTING PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................. 7

3.5.1 Gasoline Powered .............................................................................................................................. 7

3.5.2 Diesel Powered .................................................................................................................................. 8

3.6 STOPPING THE ENGINE ............................................................................................................................. 8

3.7 SELECTING AND CHANGING TRANSMISSION GEARS ....................................................................... 8

3.8 HEADLIGHTS ................................................................................................................................................ 9

4.0 DRIVING PROCEDURES

4.1 DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD ................................................................................................................... 10

4.2 STOPPING THE VEHICLE ......................................................................................................................... 10

4.3 TURNING THE VEHICLE .......................................................................................................................... 10

4.4 BACKING THE VEHICLE UP .................................................................................................................... 10

4.4.1 Turning The Vehicle While Backing Up ........................................................................................ 10

5.0 DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS

5.1 REMOTE AREA USE .................................................................................................................................. 11

5.2 ANGLE OF OPERATION ............................................................................................................................ 11

5.3 UPHILL OPERATION .................................................................................................................................. 11

5.4 DOWNHILL OPERATION ........................................................................................................................... 11

5.5 SIDE SLOPE OPERATION .......................................................................................................................... 11

5.6 AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION - GENERAL ................................................................................................. 12

5.6.1 Entering the Water .......................................................................................................................... 12

5.6.2 Driving Procedures in Water .......................................................................................................... 13

5.6.3 Driving Out of Water ...................................................................................................................... 13

5.6.4 Outboard Motor Bracket ................................................................................................................. 13

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

5.7 WINTER OPERATION ................................................................................................................................ 13

5.7.1 Use on Ice Covered Bodies of Water ............................................................................................... 13

6.0 OIL, FILTER AND LUBRICATION INFORMATION

6.1 ENGINE OIL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................... 15

6.1.1 Checking the Engine Oil Level ...................................................................................................... 15

6.1.2 Recommended Engine Oil .............................................................................................................. 15

6.1.3 Changing Engine Oil ...................................................................................................................... 15

Draining the Engine Oil ................................................................................................... 15

Refilling the Engine ......................................................................................................... 16

6.2 TRANSMISSION OIL INFORMATION ...................................................................................................... 16

6.2.1 Checking the Transmission Oil Level ............................................................................................16

6.2.2 Changing the Transmission Oil ...................................................................................................... 16

Refilling the Transmission ............................................................................................... 17

6.3 FILTER INFORMATION .............................................................................................................................. 17

6.3.1 Air Filter.......................................................................................................................................... 17

6.3.2 Fuel Filter ........................................................................................................................................ 17

950 .................................................................................................................................... 17

950DT ............................................................................................................................... 17

To replace fuel filter element ............................................................................................ 17

6.3.3 Engine Oil Filter ............................................................................................................................. 17

6.3.4 Transmission Oil Filter ................................................................................................................... 18

6.4 LUBRICATION INFORMATION ................................................................................................................ 18

6.4.1 General ............................................................................................................................................ 18

6.4.2 Drive Chain Lubrication ................................................................................................................. 18

6.4.3 Driven Clutch Maintenance ............................................................................................................ 18

6.4.4 Axle Bearing Lubrication ............................................................................................................... 18

7.0 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

7.1 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM .............................................................................................................................. 19

7.1.1 General ............................................................................................................................................ 19

7.1.2 Battery ............................................................................................................................................. 19

Checking Fluid Level ....................................................................................................... 19

Charging the Battery ........................................................................................................ 19

Cleaning the Battery Terminals and Cable Connections ................................................. 19

Cleaning the Battery ......................................................................................................... 20

7.1.3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FUSES ................................................................................................... 20

7.1.4 SPARK PLUGS (GAS ENGINE) ................................................................................................... 20

7.2 DRIVE SYSTEM & TIRES .......................................................................................................................... 20

7.2.1 DRIVE BELT .................................................................................................................................. 20

To Remove the Drive Belt ................................................................................................ 20

To Install the Drive Belt ................................................................................................... 20

7.2.2 CLUTCH MAINTENANCE........................................................................................................... 21

Clutch Inspection .............................................................................................................. 21

7.2.3 DRIVE CHAINS ............................................................................................................................. 21

To Remove the Drive Chains ............................................................................................ 21

To Install the Drive Chains .............................................................................................. 21

7.2.4 DRIVE CHAIN TAKE-UP SYSTEM ............................................................................................ 22

To Adjust Chain Tension .................................................................................................. 22

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

7.2.5 To Replace a Slider Block ............................................................................................................... 23

7.2.6 Tire Repair and Replacement ......................................................................................................... 24

7.3 MECHANICAL PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE ................................................................................... 24

7.3.1 GENERAL ...................................................................................................................................... 24

7.3.2 BRAKE CALIPER ADJUSTMENT .............................................................................................. 24

To adjust the brake caliper .....................................................................................................24

7.3.3 BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT..................................................................................................... 25

7.3.4 BRAKE CABLE ADJUSTMENT ..................................................................................................25

To adjust the brake cable ........................................................................................................ 25

7.4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE ................................................................................................................................... 26

7.4.1 GENERAL ...................................................................................................................................... 26

7.4.2 BRAKE FLUID LEVEL ................................................................................................................. 26

7.4.3 CHANGING BRAKE FLUID......................................................................................................... 26

7.4.4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE PAD INSPECTION .................................................................................. 26

Brake Pad Inspection Procedure ............................................................................................ 26

To replace the brake pads .......................................................................................................26

7.4.5 ENGINE COOLING & EXHAUST SYSTEM .............................................................................. 27

7.5 STEERING SYSTEM ..................................................................................................................................... 27

7.5.1 STEERING CENTERING ADJUSTMENT .................................................................................. 27

7.5.2 STEERING WHEEL & LOCK ADJUSTMENT ........................................................................... 28

7.5.3 HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION DRIVE BELT ....................................................................... 28

7.6 SHIFTING SYSTEM ...................................................................................................................................... 28

7.6.1 SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT .................................................................................................... 28

7.6.2 THROTTLE CABLE ADJUSTMENT ........................................................................................... 29

7.7 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................................................................................................... 30

8.0 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................................................................ 31

9.0 CLEANING AND STORAGE

9.1 CLEANING THE VEHICLE .......................................................................................................................... 33

9.2 STORING THE VEHICLE ............................................................................................................................. 33

Clean the Vehicle ................................................................................................................................... 33

Drain the Fuel System ............................................................................................................................ 33

Prepare the Battery for Storage .............................................................................................................. 33

Protect the Electrical System ................................................................................................................. 33

Raise the Vehicle .................................................................................................................................... 33

Preparing the Engine for Storage .......................................................................................................... 33

10.0 POTENTIAL HAZARDS ......................................................................................................................................... 34

11.0 ACCESSORY INFORMATION

11.1 GENERAL ...................................................................................................................................................... 38

11.2 REAR CARGO TIE DOWN BARS (Part No. 849-116) ................................................................................ 38

11.3 ALL SEASON TRACK KIT (Part No. 849-150) ........................................................................................... 38

11.3.1 Track Installation ............................................................................................................................ 38

11.3.2 Operating Precautions ..................................................................................................................... 39

11.4 WINCH KIT (Part No. 849-114) .................................................................................................................... 39

11.4.1 Rules For Safe Operation ................................................................................................................ 39

11.4.2 Tips for Extending the Life of Your Winch .................................................................................... 41

11.5 RECEIVER WINCH KIT (Part No. 849-123) ............................................................................................... 41

VII

11.6 BILGE PUMP KIT (Part No. 849-146) .......................................................................................................... 41

11.7 SNOW PLOW KIT (Part No. 657-100).......................................................................................................... 41

11.7.1 Operating Guidelines ...................................................................................................................... 42

11.8 AMPHIBIOUS TRAILER (Part No. 695-80BL) ............................................................................................ 42

11.8.1 Operating Precautions ..................................................................................................................... 42

11.9 CAB HEATER (Part No. 848-110) ................................................................................................................. 42

11.10 DUMP BOX KIT (Part No. 835-100) ............................................................................................................. 42

11.11 CARGO LINER (Part No. 848-123) ............................................................................................................... 43

11.12 HELICOPTER LIFT KIT (Part Nos. 848-119 & 848-120) ............................................................................ 43

11.13 LIGHT GUARD KIT (Part No. 849-134)....................................................................................................... 43

11.14 BRUSH GUARD KIT (Part No. 849-143) ..................................................................................................... 43

11.15 CENTAUR FOUR POINT LIFT KIT - (Part No. 848-121) ........................................................................... 43

APPENDIX

1 SPECIAL TOOLS

7R VICE GRIP MODIFICATION .............................................................................................................................. 44

DRIVER CLUTCH REMOVAL TOOL 658-17 ......................................................................................................... 44

VIII

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE