With a slow start to winter it was mid February before I got around to installing the Winter 13" plastic tracks on Project 6x6, but with a 50cm major storm coming I wanted to be ready!

After a quick test ride around the backyard, the tracks are working great but I noticed the headlights blinking while going over rough terrain.

The fix was simple, the old fashioned brass contacts had a very minute layer of corrosion, so they were cleaned with 800 grit sandpaper, re-coated in dielectric grease and the switch reassembled. The lights now work as good as new, there's something to be said for old technology that can be quickly repaired instead of being tossed and replaced!

Last item before a first winter rip was to install the canopy & windshield.

Winter 2024 ended up being a bust with regards to outdoor activities. We had a very large and time consuming tile job on the go, pool tournaments and championships took another few weekends, and then the usual major snowstorm or rain. All in all it left little time for ice fishing, Argo rips or snowmobiling.

On March 17th I finally got out for a little run and boil-up, only to bind the tracks up in a deep ATV tire rut and broke a segment right at the hinge. The snow was hard enough to drive out on tires so I rolled up the broken length and ran back to the house.

The track segment made a clean break straight across the hinge damaging only one segment, but I did find more broken pins and some severe corrosion on the old pins. In the pic above up you can see how the tracks get crossed up in tire ruts which really puts strain on the hinges. Rusted pins and overstress led to failure.

My plan this summer is to re-pin both tracks with all new pins, collars and set screws to make them great again. These tracks are 30 years old so the pins are due to be retired along with any damages segments.

In April I discovered the machine would not start when I went to move it in/out of the garage. With fingers crossed that it was not a bad starter, I diagnosed it to be a failed started solenoid which was easy to replace. I sourced a replacement at Canadian Tire, modified the mounting bracket, installed it and now the Argo starts perfectly.

As mentioned previously, my 2024 Moose Hunting Season, and even preparations for hunting have been put on hold while I work through the process of healing my rolled/sprained ankle. By October I was feeling better enough to at least get things ready, I started with the Argo which sat unused all summer.

First I got the windshield taken off, I find it's in the way in the raised position and traps too much engine compartment heat when folded so off it comes each summer/fall.

Next, as I expected from sitting so long, the engine did not want to idle once warmed to operating temperature so I disassembled the intake to remove the top of the carburetor for a quick cleaning.

I used my vacuum brake bleeder to suck out the old fuel from the carburetor bowl, removed & cleaned the main jet, then sprayed all the passageways with aerosol carb cleaner, and sucked that residue out with the brake bleeder.

Next I siphoned out 4 gallons of one year old fuel from the tank and refilled with fresh supreme. Now the machine is running top notch!

Finally I gave the machine a wipe down with Chemical Guys VRP a vinyl, rubber plastic treatment & protectant and loaded up inside the trailer for Moose Hunting with Dad in a few weeks time.

Moose hunting November 12, 2024 looking to fill Dads either sex tags before the season ends!

Stay tuned for more 2024 Argo updates & adventures!

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