Any help for a dumb ass?

I

imgettingmine

New member
I'm sorry I have to say this. I know absolutely nothing about vehicles. Like a dumb ass I convinced myself and my daughter that this 1975 Scout 2 we came across would be the perfect ride for us. She loved it and so did I. It started right up, well kind of. It seemed to run good once it got warmed up. We were very happy with it. However 2 or 3 days later I started it. It gave some attitude like normal till it warmed up. Was running great. I was getting my things together to take a little cruise and before I got back in it she just died like it was turned off. It turns over but wont start. I'm almost broke after buying it. I'm a total dumb ass to my wife and daughter and now anyone who reads this. I can deal with that. I want to learn. So my question is, is there any repair manuals that can really help an idiot like me. Or a mechanic that wont rip me off. I can somewhat afford to have it fixed. But really I'd love to not fail at this in only just a few days. I have faith in it and it makes me sick it just sits. I'm not used to asking for help but I have no other options. Thanks for taking the time to at least read this. It's pretty dumb I know.
 
I have to assume you have a basic knowledge of tools and mechanical stuff. You will need that as a minimum to move forward safely. Know your way around an engine compartment. We can't risk telling you to do something and getting hurt due to lack of basic knowledge.. Give me an idea of what you know about what's under the hood of a car/truck... We would be more than happy to assist you in trouble shooting your issue..
 
Last edited:
Well welcome to the world of IH, first off yes there are manuals for sale through IH Parts America.
As far as your Scout you need to check 3 basic things:
gas
spark
air

your description leads me to look at your choke, is it opening/closing?

But we really need more info about your Scout:
motor, carb, tranny, distibutor basically any info you can give us. Pictures are also a great help.

That would be a good start.
Lots of good people here with a lot of smarts to share.

Ron
 
Last edited by a moderator:
First advice I'll give is to stop beating yourself up. It doesn't help. Second is to realize that you're dealing with a 40 year old vehicle. It didn't just roll off the showroom floor. It ain't got a warranty. Its been rode hard and put away wet. It probably hasn't been properly maintained in the last 10 to 20 years. Now that responsibility has fallen upon your shoulders. Welcome to our world. One must embark on these adventures with the expectation that multiple repairs will be required. That's the reality of playing with any vintage vehicle. This can be a great learning and bonding opportunity for you and your daughter. Remember that rome wasn't built in a day. Focus on mechanicals and safety equipment first. Get it to where it is safe and dependable. Cosmetics can always come later.
 
You have found the best place on the web to get advice and knowledge , ive been impressed for years now. And if we take you at your word , even I might be of great help , and I live here in lake county., so if you would like to give me a call (707) 274-8994 I would be happy to come by and give you a hand
keith
 
Wow! Thank you for responding with such care. Mcgyver, thank you as well. Not sure what to say or really how to respond. I'm learning to ask for help but don't want to trouble anybody. Maybe this will help. My neighbor tried helping me a little. He was sure it was not getting spark but not sure why. Also the choke was mention by ron. It doesn't move and from what I see it's not connected. The distributor I believe is by per-lux, inc. (ignitor) oh and no I don't know my way around the compartment very well. I was thinking to get an in depth repair manual that could show and explain some basic or better understanding with step by step instructions. I don't even know if that's a thing for such an older vehicle. I have one for my other car and it's helpful for that. I went online chilton and got an online book from them but to me was useless.
 
Last edited:
This is what I'm working with.

75scout2

304 cid v-8 auto trans, p/s, a/c (not currently used), 3.54 gear ratio. -rebuilt 3 core radiator- pertronix ignition- the following work I'm told was done within the last 1000 miles- (all new) tires-brakes-fuel pump-fuel filter-water pump-brake rotors-brake vacuum booster-brake master cylinder-brake lines-power steering box-spinout? Drivers side- transmission-service-heater hose-coolant. Smog exempt.
 
If you own, an work on a ihc truck, your not a " dumbass" your just a intelligent person, broadening your horizon to a unique kind of a vehicle other than the big 3. Good luck ! Jeff:icon_mrgreen::mad2:
 
Welcome

agreed, don't be hating and beating yourself up over the small stuff. Lots of patience and tlc goes a long way. There's another member on here that also lives up near you. Goes by the name Danny phillips. Great guy, that went way above and beyond with helping another member on here, when he came down here to my neck of the woods. Don't be too afraid of asking for help. We, as you're beginning to notice, don't bite. Well, maybe some May nibble a little but not much. Once your newly acquired Scout gets back to driving again your daughter will fall back in love with it again. Better yet, have her help you out. Be a great project for you both to work on. Then maybe your better half just might develop some interest helping out at some point.
Cheers
 
Hey im happy to hear we have one more Scout in lake county, the guys on the forum have been a lot of help to me I started off with a Scout I got for 500 and I put almost 3 years in to rebuilding her. I have met with both mcgyver and Danny, both are very helpful. If I can be any help at all feel free to shoot me a text or call me im always driving around the lake for work. 707-583-4075. Good luck and dont be abrade to ask for help.
 
Last edited:
Welcome to the Scout family. I can come over Saturday afternoon with some tools and see if I can help you out. You can give me a call tomorrow afternoon at 279-1998 and we'll figure something out. Danny
 
I'm just over the hill in hopland. Welcome to the "club". I found the IH factory manual to be very useful, once you find what you're looking for, as it gives lots of theory of operation info. It also doesn't just say use factory tool xyz to to a job, but if you don't have that tool you can git'er done this way.
 
Feed your brain! Spend time reading forums and asking questions. With the guys at ihparts and knowledge of 1,000s of IH enthusiast's around the country my dumbass questions have been answered with more helpful information than I could hope for. Everyone here just wants that Scout to run!

Welcome to your new obsession!
 
Hey nick thanks, I think I met you. Seen yours, stopped and had some questions. You were very helpful and gave me a card with this forum and said people were really helpful. This is really incredible to me so thanks again.
 
It sounds as if you are not only a newbie to the world of 'binders but you are also a newbie to getting under the hood and getting greasy.

Don't worry and don't fret. Of all of the old iron out on the road you couldn't have picked a better vehicle.

When ihc built their iron they built it with a different mindset than the big 3. Ihc knew most of their trucks and equipment were going to be sold to owner/operators or small fleets. As a result they built into their design longevity, simplicity, and durability.

Until you progress to the point of rebuilding your own engine and transmission all you really need for tools are a basic mechanics set from sears and a couple of pieces of test equipment--a mulitmeter and a test light.

I know that because that is what I started with over 40 years ago. The fact I now have thousands of $$$ in tools and can never find the right one is beside the point. :) the tools I use the most oftern are screw drivers, combination wrenches from 7/16" to 3/4", 3/8's sockets with various extensions and universals of the same sizes, and of course a big hammer. The tools I use the most are the mulitmeter to find continuity and my test light to see if I am getting juice.

Good luck and remember this is supposed to be fun.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top