Tips for Fueling and Your Argo
What fuel should you use in your Argo? How do you avoid problems with corrosion and clogged fuel system components? What do you need to do with your fuel before storing your Argo? Here’s everything you need to know to keep your XTV or ATV’s fuel system working smoothly.
Which Fuel Should I Use?
Gas engines are designed to use automotive unleaded with an octane rating of 87 or higher. This fuel can have an ethanol content up to 10%, or an MTBE content up to 15%. Methanol-containing gas is not recommended, due to issues with corrosion.
Fuel injected engines aren’t as sensitive to stale fuel as carburetors. However, both Vanguard and Kohler recommend using a fuel stabilizer before storing their engines. Once the tank is filled with stabilized fuel, run the engine for a few minutes to pull this gas through the fuel system. If you have an Xplorer ATV, fill the tank with stabilized fuel and shut off the fuel petcock before storage.
If your engine has carburetors, only use stabilized fuel within the first 90 days of purchase. Untreated gasoline should be used within 30 days of purchase. Drain the tank before putting your vehicle in storage.
Doosan and Kohler diesels require S 15 diesel fuel, which is standard automotive fuel. Be sure you’re using a fuel formulation that matches your operating temperatures. Most distributors switch to a low temperature formula in winter, which won’t gel below freezing. Use a fuel stabilizer with diesel stored for more than 6 months to prevent algae growth.
Filling Your Vehicle’s Tank
Most older XTVs have a clear 7.1 gallon fuel tank under the driver’s seat. To check the fuel level, look at the tank. On newer models, this tank is metal. To check the fuel level, look at the indicator on the digital gauge cluster.
The fuel cap on XTVs vents air through a hose that runs underneath the top edge of the body. If you overfill the tank, any fuel in the filler neck will spill out of the vent as the tank heats up. If you’re installing accessories along the top of the body, like tow strap D-rings or hand rails, make sure you don’t drill through this vent tube.
Wipe away any spilled fuel as soon as possible. While plastic won’t suffer much damage from fuel exposure, gasoline can eat away at paint on ATVs and UTVS. Camouflage coatings on XTVs are particularly susceptible to solvent damage.
If you need more fuel than your XTV’s tank can hold, you can get a fuel can holder for the back of your vehicle. This saves space in your cargo area, and makes it safe to carry extra gas with you if you have an enclosed cabin.
We Can Help You Keep Your Argo Running
Whether you need repairs, want to add accessories, or just need a few parts, Shank’s Argo has you covered. We’re one of the biggest Argo dealers in the East, and we’re also a certified dealer for Kohler and Vanguard, so we can service everything on your vehicle. When you need help with your Argo, visit our shop at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA. You can also order parts and accessories from our website, www.shanksargo.com. We can ship what you need to any address in the United States or Canada.