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SECTION 7
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
7.2.5 IDLER CHAIN
All ARGO vehicles are equipped with 2 idler chains to trans-
fer power from the output shafts of the transmission to the
drive chains through a series of sprockets. They are located
on each side of the transmission.
A loose or improperly adjusted idler chain can result in dam-
age to the chain or sprockets. During the new vehicle break-
in period, check the idler chain adjustment before operating
the vehicle and after the first 2 hours of operation. After the
initial break-in period, check the idler chain adjustment every
50 hours. An indication of loose idler chains is a loud bang-
ing noise when the vehicle is turned.
Figure 7-13 Prying the Slider Block
off the Cam Assembly
Figure 7-14 Hammering Slider Block into place
Figure 7-15. Measuring idler chain deflection
To check the idler chain adjustment, push the slack side of
the chain and measure the amount of chain deflection (Fig-
ure 7-15). Adjust the idler chain tension if deflection is more
than 3mm (1/8").
Idler Chain Adjustment
1. Remove the firewall from the vehicle as detailed in Sec-
tion 7.3.1 for the Vanguard and Section 7.4.4 for the Van-
guard2, Bigfoot, Response and Conquest.
2. Loosen the 2 left side clamping nuts and 1 front pivot
shaft nut with a 15/16" sprocket wrench (figure 7-16).
Loosen the 3/8" hex nut (117-15) securing the adjust-
ment support (602-27), just above the transmission, to
the hood frame assembly. (Refer to Section 6.0 of the
Parts Manual.)
3. Turn the vertical adjustment bolts counter-clockwise to
raise the power pack and tighten the idler chains. The
idler chains are properly adjusted when the deflection
measures 3 mm (1/8"), (Figure 7-15).
4. Tighten the 2 left side clamping nuts and 1 pivot shaft
nut securely. Tighten the adjustable support fasteners with
the rubber bumper (126-88) pressed down firmly onto the
top of the transmission.
