Posted on Monday, October 13, 2014 - 09:09 am:

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quote:

From Fix-it-Fil
I met George Coates 2 years ago having had a phone conversation with Richard Day to see if a head and water-jacket fix was plausible. he suggested I talk with him. Bottom line was that the corrosion was beyond repair. I asked George to cut the head in half like an Oreos cookie at the parting line. What? yes cut it in half, to expose the inside and we�ll figure out what's in it and how to �fail forward,� I like to say. You can see this head in past YT-1 progress forum.
Over the next many months, George has had many set backs. This is not an easy task; Learn all sand cast methods, do the machining, testing and completion of task. I envy the opportunity he and all the people involved to see this through. Especially a �sand crab� that would reveal, tricks and secrets of his Trade to see this through. An outstanding example of multiple Trades working toward a common goal.
Enclosed are pictures of the head in our dinning room. I am very satisfied with the execution of the work. To know that another one of these or other engines do not end up on a scrap pile do to lack of curiosity or �sack� to overcome obstacles. These examples of engines pushed the Maritime trades to what they are today.
For George here is the knowledge required to fix many more challenging projects if he chooses. My part was to support his efforts along the way .Support that he will succeed and show the patience required knowing there are difficult periods. The wait was worth it! We have a friendship over the phone and AT SOME POINT WE WILL MEET IN PERSON.

Thanks George Coates
Phil Lantz

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