what to do now? sell?

[traumamedic]

Ok so I'm thinking about selling the scout. However before I do I wanted to check and see if anyone in the area has a 392/345/304 that they know to run great with no smoke that will last and be dependable etc,etc that they are willing to part with for a reasonable price. If not I'm calling it quits and will be selling this thing. I'm tired of spending my money and time and getting no where. Something has to give though I guess this is my last stand with this thing.
I will say either way it goes thanks for all the help along the way. All of you guys have been great. I can honestly say the IH community is like no other. You guys have have a plethora of knowledge and don't mind sharing it with those who don't not to mention the patience you have. So thanks again.

[scoutpappa]

What problems are you having. There is one post on craigslist of a scout and two engine scenario for sale 2K or less, but personally any engine i could probably help with would need a complete overhaul so 2k to 3k depending. outside of a catastrophic failure an IH engine can be made to run.

[traumamedic]

Well, when I start it up and its cold I get no smoke however after a min or two of running it starts spitting smoke out of the driver side exhaust. I started it when it was raining the other and noticed the ground around the exhaust pipe getting the oil swirl look. So other than that I have a loud lifter tick (I think). I hate to scrap the whole thing but I'm really at my wits end I do have some mechanical knowledge however this scout is constantly making me learn more, which is great but I would like to be able to at least play in it from time to time. Currently it runs... but sounds like and I don't trust it to even go around the block. I don't have 2-3k so guess I'm SOL unless someone has a few ideas.

[scoutpappa]

Originally Posted by traumamedic

Well, when I start it up and its cold I get no smoke however after a min or two of running it starts spitting smoke out of the driver side exhaust. I started it when it was raining the other and noticed the ground around the exhaust pipe getting the oil swirl look. So other than that I have a loud lifter tick (I think). I hate to scrap the whole thing but I'm really at my wits end I do have some mechanical knowledge however this scout is constantly making me learn more, which is great but I would like to be able to at least play in it from time to time. Currently it runs... but sounds like and I don't trust it to even go around the block. I don't have 2-3k so guess I'm SOL unless someone has a few ideas.

Man this could be really easy or really hard. Where are you located in Houston? I live in Kingwood off of W. Lake Houston. I'll start with some basic questions. Looking at your posts it appears that you have a 345 with a 2V manifold and maybe the correct carb 350cfm maybe a Holley list 7448? the number is on the top of the throat pointing towards the radiator. Becasue of the way this engine is designed you can be lean on one bank or half of the engine. this could cause a tick. The engine will fire with a puff of smoke. This is just the way the engine was designed and how the valve train works. A little oil will collect...puff....no big deal. what type of ignition do you have installed? You have to dial in the ignition before anything. Then you work the carb. With your motor and assuming a 2V intake and the correct carb you should be looking at about #64 jets and a #65 power valve for this elevation, humidity, etc. The carb has no effect on ignition. Do you have a vacuum guage. Mityvak=30$ at autozone. vacuum leaks can be a *****. Is your engine optimized or do you have a half assed emissions set up running. from the posts i have researched you have had some major mechanical issues but from the little i've heard recently it sounds like tuning issues now. An IH engine can be bleeding from every oriface but still run like a spotted *** ape if the above are correct. I'm no expert but with the correct troubleshooting we could probably get this thing corrected. not saying perfect but running.

[kb'sforme]

and a rebuild can be had for cheaper than 3k depending on whats wrong if it comes to that. pm fred your info. and your schedual. we can see who is avalible and put to gether a wrench day to try and get you back on the road. all you need is a little cash on hand for any needed parts. could just be tuning. or could need valve train work. but like he said unless the bottom end let go it will run till untill the bitter end. after reading all your past problems i think you have been chasing a lot of small issues that sound and act like major issues. vacume leaks, timing, bad carb. they all give the same problems and it's hard to tell the difference some times. i would sugest a wrench day first. lets put some hands on it and start from square one, and go one system at a time. as we cross things off the list it will either start runing better, and better or narrow the search for the real problem. either way you will get a finial answer as to what it needs to run right. then you can decied on what you want to do.

[scoutpappa]

I agree. i have a mityvak and a dwell/rpm meter and a good bit of experience with chasing these demons. I have a carb that will work but is not correct for your set up. We can trouble shoot this thing enough to make sure that getting rid of it may not be the best option. I went through alot of ignition and carb issues before i dialed in the motor and am on to transmission tech currently. You would be amazed at how hardy these motors and drivelines are.

[sullyscout77]

Nice volley Guys! That's what makes this club Great; alot of able-bodied folks willing to help an IH brother out.
Being mechanically inept myself, GCB wrenchers have gotten me thru much worse than what you're describing. Couldn't even get mine to fire and a couple hours into an inpromptu visit by 4 or 5 of my IH Buddies, some fresh gas, short timing session and a swapped vacuum hose and my 304 was purring like a kitten.
Prior to that, I spent way too many hours "staring & swearing" at the engine compartment and getting nowhere but deeper in that resounding "rut".
Swing by the club meeting Saturday and meet the gang, if you can. Alot of help there, and most of all, Keep the faith. Alot of us are still in "project status", working on shoestring budgets and at a snail's pace, (me), and have yet to drive them down the street. It's as much about the Journey as the destination.
Look forward to meeting you TM, and of course, seeing the gang!

[Holt Harlan]

I will have a good 304 real soon. I currently drive it. I am building a new motor and will pull the 304 in the next few months. Not looking to get lots of money. if you are interested we can work something out.

[traumamedic]

This is great thanks for all the support guys. I hope your right and its nothing major just a bit of small things making it seem like a major problem. Whenever we call all get together lets do it. I'm at my wits end and hopefully with a little luck and some expert hands on board we can get her up and running. Would love to drive her and trust her not to break down on me. I will warn you she don't look like much. Paint and body have been on the back burner since she went down. However you guys have given me hope. I work Monday Thursdays and 3rd Saturdays. So I have plenty of time. Just let me know what works for y'all. I'm sure I could get some pizza, beers and soda for those who don't drink beers. Thanks again for the help and the optimism it was seriously need. I live in the Channelview area. here is a link to the area. PM me for the address. http://mapq.st/g9FUWI

[jtl1100]

I put my dwell checker on it and I couldn't get it to read but after setting the gap it had more power than before. It has a Holley points distributor. No ignition ballast resistor. Not sure if he replaced the condenser yet. To me it just looked like it was burning a little oil on the left side. Could it be rings? I have been helping TM out for a while now. He is a great guy and has the thing that matters. A real affinity for Scouts. Its great to see others try to help him out. Too many people give up and buy cheeps.