'78 Scout sitting 12 years

M

Mahoney

New member
Hi everyone, new Scout owner here. I’ve found some helpful previous posts, but not quite to the tune of my questions…

I just picked up a ’78 Scout II with the 304 engine, 4 speed manual, d44's, couple hundred hornets, and a bunch of rust (haha). It has been sitting for 12 years according to the previous owner. He says it will turn over and sputter with a shot of starter fluid.

So, where do I start? I was thinking of setting it up on an external gas feed after an oil change to see if the engine will run. It’s got the stock carb in it, and I’ve been through a bunch of posts on the carb topic, not sure what I’m going to do there yet. The gas tank is empty, but who knows what’s in there after 12 years. If the engine runs I was thinking of working backwards through the fuel line/filter/pump to the tank. I’m thinking I’ll need to drop the tank and see what kind of shape it’s in.

From there drain and fresh fill all the fluids in the trans, tcase, diffs, brakes, coolant, etc…

after I get it running and driving I know it needs new body mounts, floor pans, metal work at all four fenders, and I’m sure I’ll find a bunch more metal that needs to be worked as I go through it.

It’s going to be a project I know, if I could get it done in the space of about a year I’d be happy.

I’m thinking my logic is right in the steps to bring it back to life, but wanted to get some opinions of some more experienced Scout owners before I start a fire or blow something up. Thanks in advance for your help, this forum is a great resource.
 
This is why one of the very first things you do is to pull the tank from a vehicle that's sat for years, especially one that is 35 years old. The sending unit had dissolved - never found evidence of the float or mesh sock. There was about 1/2" of sediment sitting in a varnish-like liquid. No amount of clean fuel will dilute that crud and ensure good running. A radiator shop boiled it out and coated the interior and and new sending unit made things right, so the tank is good to go for another couple of decades.
 

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Holy balls! I'm so glad you posted that non oiling rocker link. I'll definitely be checking all that over. Big thanks for the photos and the link to the other thread, much appreciated.
 
Glad we can help. Most of the thanks goes to IHPA who in addition to providing a great place for those with the IH affliction to commiserate is also a great resource for parts and services on a project like yours.

Best of luck on your journey. If you are anywhere near fremont, CA, we are having our next babs meeting on June 10. Bay Area Binder Society - IH Parts America
 
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