Determining the water tightness of a 6x6

[leschyna]

Beyond a visual inspection for obvious holes and cracks, are there any tricks used to determine the water worthiness of a AATV?

[xbunsenx]

The only way I know of is to take the machine into the water. Before doing that, all of the outer bearings should be greased and drain plug(s) installed. Even then, you still might have a little leakage, but nothing significant. Worn bearings will leak more than new ones also.

[liflod]

Fill it with water above the bearings, look for leaks...

[john swenson]

that's the safe way , if you go in the water to test it, hook a rope to the machine and the shore . johnboy va.

[xbunsenx]

I forgot to add that if you do use the "take it for a swim" method, only go out for a short period of time. You could also remove the floor to see into the bottom to watch for signs of a leak. If you fill it up on land though, be sure to let it dry out thoroughly and re-lubricate the chain just in case. No matter what method you use, grease the bearings beforehand.