Re: questions

[Tom Harais <tjhemh@domain.elided>]

Jeff:

I just took a Terra top off and replaced it with a Traveler top. I sure
didn't think those front screws were self tappers or anything like that.
They were just long and we had to drill the heads off to get some out.
Interestingly enough, the shafts are stuck in the tip I took off and not
in the windsheild frame that I have yet to get out.

I think you'll have problems with the "front" dipstick due to the
"split" pan used on Scouts. You want to know the oil level in the "back"
pan. The front is like a temporary reservoir since the pump pickup is in
the rear.

As to oil drain plugs: If you have the pan off anyway, I would look at
brazing an appropriate size nut on the outside. IH didn't leave much
metal for those plugs and they strip easily. If brazing the nut on is
out of the question, you can buy replacement plugs that are slightly
oversize at any, well stocked auto parts store. That's what I did and it
works pretty well.

Interstingly, if your drain plug washers are cracked, I don't know where
you get them. If you take a car to a dealer for an oil change, you'll
note they change these washers every time and charge you like $1.00 a
piece. The dealers claim that this is the sign of quality service, and
that any oil changer that doesn't replace those washers at every oil
change is shortchanging you. Personaly, I have always just changed them
when needed. They are usually plastic and will last a few changes before
cracking or bending too much. For my other cars, I've found the only
soure of them is the silly dealer, at the ridiculous price. But for an
IH, I have no dealer, hence I've gone to the hardware store to find
subsitutes. The problem is, I have no way of knowing if the ones I get
are of such material to withstand constant contact with oil and/or
engine heat. Maybe someone has a better answer. Maybe "Motor" parts or
one of those has them haning in thier rack. But, they don't have an IH
listing so you have to find the appropriate "size by feel".

I do think that when I bought the new drain plugs for my pan, I went
with "twice oversize" and that didn't work very well. So then I bought
regular size and it worked O.K., although I'm carefull not to
overtighten them. Interestingly, it was the original bolts that
stripped, and not the threaded part on the pan as would be usual with
most cars. So, the replacement bolts worked pretty well. (my memory is
foggy on this which is why I rambled a bit)

Tom H.