A couple of observations- I'll likely post this again in future as I think it's worth keeping in mind with this stuff.
(note- I don't know Steve, I'm not just talking about this issue but ALL threads where engine builders get slagged off, especially the ones with no proof by people that don't know a huge amount about engines- again, not specifically talking about this issue. I've just been wound up by so many of these threads that I think it's worth making some things clear)
1. Most engines fail because they're poorly set up. USUALLY it's not because they've been made poorly- they're supplied bare and it's up to the installer to set the timing,dwell,valve gaps, spark plug gaps, tinware, thermostat,flaps and importantly carburettor settings. That is a LOT of trust. I've done it myself- I've bought an engine from TES, and MY mechanic fitted and set it up. There was nothing wrong with the engine but it ran lean because of my mechanic. I cracked a head and pulled 4 head studs because I didn't know better and I STILL went on the internet and bitched about the engine and how it broke. Like I say, I didn't know better at the time- I've retracted it and apologised since but there was still damage done. This happens all the while, FAR more often than engines that are just made badly. For the record TES were really good about it.
2. It takes a lot of work to build up a good reputation and very little to destroy it. Please consider that this is the latest in a long line about different people and it has hurt people's incomes- please consider the implications when thinking about posting this kind of thread.
3. Everyone makes mistakes. I know that it's hugely disappointing when you've spent a lot of money but that's life- hopefully these things will get resolved. It doesn't give people the right to be vindictive. Of course, if it doesn't get resolved then the lack of customer service is worth mentioning.
Just for the record- If I see a thread about failed engines, I'll scout through the pictures for obvious problems and then check a few things. I'd want:
a picture of the engine, fitted.
Valve gap setting.
Dwell setting- NOT JUST FEELER GAUGE GAP! (For the record your car will run SO much better with properly set dwell angle, and you can get a meter for about a tenner)
Timing setting
CO level achieved using a four gas or CO meter. Tuning your carb by ear is not good enough unless you really know what you're doing, and that's difficult to prove.
If the person complaining doesn't know this stuff, and there's nothing obviously wrong in the pictures, I'll treat the complaint as unsubstantiated and pay little mind to the criticism.
I hope all involved get this issue resolved to satisfaction.
