We Messed Up... John Deere Model A Engine Block Repair -

[@Bill-xc8le]

Amazing repair, but why not get a new set of sleeves and start over?

[@JAMSIONLINE]

Extra expense, would still require additional machining to prep block for sleeves, probably would still want to pin them, would have to completely redo the hone job (far more time than what Is shown in this repair), and would additionally have to drill the compression release holes and drill/tap the spark plug holes again (which we didn’t have to redo w/ this repair) Far more labor for a repair that in our opinion would not be any better.

[@Bill-xc8le]

@@JAMSIONLINE You guys look like the real deal, and know what your doing. Had a 340 Chrysler block sleeved and two of them dropped while making a pass at the drag strip, I’m just gun shy when it comes to resleeving, especially half sleeves, that all.

[@Bill-xc8le]

@@andrewevans1658 if I was an actual engine machinist I would have started over.

[@JAMSIONLINE]

Thanks! Yeah it was maybe a toss up. I’m very happy with the finished product. I never use loctite on valve seats. I see your point about heat transfer, it makes sense. I’m curious if you know of any actual studies that have been done regarding the actual difference in heat transfer when loctite is used vs not? It would be interesting to see some hard data on it. Like I said, definitely makes sense, I just am curious of to how significant the findings would be,

[@Bill-xc8le]

@@andrewevans1658 it is Andrew, I would have never guessed a repair could be made like that, hopefully it holds up.

[@jeepmanxj]

A machinist who has never made a mistake has never run a machine.

[@TheCustomEverythingChannel]

Yea im just glad they are honest bc the shops round where I live wouldn't have cared and when it blew up they say oh well its on u. I hate the shops round here

[@adolfemmanuelesparas3922]

Words to live by.. its either run them all dead parts w/o knowing it or run dead once and never again..

[@94XJ]

When I started, an older guy in the shop would walk up to me and say stuff like this all the time. My boss was a very talented machinist and taught me a lot but Scott (the guy that encouraged me)... that's the guy who gets credit for my ability to get stuff done. Another favorite is "do you know the difference between an experienced machinist and a newbie? The old guy knows how to fix his mistakes."

[@stevepifer7582]

That and or never did a thing I hate admit it but I have had few

[@markthegunplumber8376]

@@94XJ an experienced machinist knows how to fix his mistakes, a Master machinist knows how to fix his mistakes and get the customer to pay for them.

[@mesh1248]

I wish more people would realize how important it is to own up to mistakes and make things right i guarantee here at the end of the day everyone is happy

[@vihreelinja4743]

And he now have more business than before :)

[@Bill-xc8le]

It was good of them to own up to their mistake, but their fix was no more then a professional cobble job. That’s why they gave it a life time warranty.

[@vincentguttmann2231]

Yeah! If nothing bad happened, so what? In the end, it just shows that you're honest.

[@judd_s5643]

If I were the owner of this block I wouldn’t accepted the workaround unless the warranty covered labor to get the block back into their facility PLUS lost production that equipment would have directly impacted.

[@mesh1248]

@@judd_s5643 u gotta remember this is an antique tractor motor that is probably going into a restored tractor and will never see hard work if any work at all

[@oldjarhead1125]

I'm a retired engineer from a German run Tool & die shop with over 40 years experience in mold building for Fortune 100 companies & a car nut (BMW's) since 1996 (25 years) 1. Your reaching out to your customer is top notch. Honest! 2. your repair & warranty is top notch! This repair should work for a life time, in my opinion. This is a 2 cylinder JD tractor, not a high performance BMW. Great job, Great video, great honesty. Keep up the good work. Not too many honest people around any more.

[@albangaval]

Love the confidence behind your decision and willingness to back it up with a warranty. That's doing business right. Good on you for taking care of the customer!

[@TheBeardedBoofhead]

and showing the whole world! Great integrity...

[@Dave5843-d9m]

Exactly. Ignore the moaners.

[@stevewesley8187]

The biggest mistake I saw was John Deere designing the engine where the oil ring comes so close to the bottom of the cylinder . Your initial repair was flawless (1/4 to 3/16 retention at bottom of cylinder). The amazing aspect to me (46 years as automotive/diesel machinist- now retired) was the precision with which you recentered on the bore .If I could line back on a cylinder within .002/.003 I was well within the tolerances of my boring bar . All in all , a job well done !

[@terrybridwell6000]

In every industry, the true sign of a craftsman is how fast he can correct a mistake.

[@seanriopel3132]

Better yet, a true craftsman doesn't make mistakes, they simply discover a new way NOT to do it.

[@k9elli]

Fun fact: this applies to medicine too! Ask your next surgeon about their last quick fix 👌🏼

[@michaelmathews295]

Or hide it.

[@Dave5843-d9m]

Medics bury their mistakes.

[@donovanpearson4418]

A wise man once said it takes a good man to admit to his mistakes. You did exactly that. You explained the situation, you took responsibility for what was done, and you empathized it was a "learning experience". That's amazing! I work in the automotive industry and its rough. I fortunately enough work for a reputable company with a very nice owner. He prides himself on his reputation and would rather loose out on a $2k job to keep the customer happy. Many other shops wouldnt care and change the customer anyways, not admit to their wrong-doings, and move on with their day like nothing every happened. I love watching your content. You seem like good people. Keep up all the amazing work

[@sampsonsunny6298]

You're a good boy. Take care off your father. It's great and inspiring to see families working together. God bless. From Australia.

[@trojanyacht2518]

As a 43 year mechanic I've been in many engines and machining controversies. MLS head gasket surface ra. Is a much more likely real world scenario than thermal properties of sleeve expansion dissimilarities, especially because the customer has full knowledge of the repair. Manufacturers save many blocks with matching issues with overbore and select fit pistons. Innovation in overcoming an issue is to be commended as inventors have thousands of failures to success ratios at times... Edison's bulb filament comes to mind. Kudos for having the guts to stand up to the internet basement machinists who couldn't center a boring bar! My hats off to you and your Father!

[@Dave5843-d9m]

Honda motorcycles have crank bearing shells to suit the upper and lower crank case and rod bearing halves. They are mixed and matched at the factory for the best fit.

[@jaun-pierrejordaan9550]

I have to say so many people overlook the fact that you not only manned up to your mistakes but you filmed it and showed it to the world... Thats freaking AWESOME Thank you for showing us that your quality of workmanship and your quality as a man is truly of the highest quality... Best of support from South Africa love the videos please make more its super relaxing to watch thanks

[@forrestmanueljr9196]

I'm impressed that you guys shared your mistake with everyone and made it right and your business with thrive for doing business the way y'all do.

[@alfonsobernabe4291]

Very impressed as well

[@herbieschwartz9246]

Craftsmanship and honesty. The two are inseparable. Always be proud of what you do.

[@Realryancurry]

Being this transparent makes you stand out from the crowd. It’s the next best feeling off heartwarming, I commend you and your father’s decision to communicate with the customer and get the job done completely when things get sideways, as they do.

[@logancarter2134]

I applaud you stepping up, contacting the customer and making things right!!!

[@itenginebuilder]

I judge shops by the quality of their work, but I judge them even more on how they deal with their mistakes. Mistakes are bound to happen and how you deal with them is what makes or breaks a customer relationship. Top notch stuff right here.

[@WheatMillington]

You'd be happy with this patch-up job when you paid for a re-sleeve?

[@itenginebuilder]

@@WheatMillington I'm just talking about how he dealt with the mistake, and I'm guessing he communicated with the customer on the fix, offered the guarantee and customer was OK with it.

[@robertinscoe2379]

It was said Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. You guys stepping up to fix a mistake before this engine was back in the tractor and standing behind your work for the customer is just first class.👍👍 The man who claims to know it all is a liar. Looking forward to learn more from your channel. Thanks for sharing

[@tpfromcentralpa1692]

I wish more would put up video's like this................Cigar puffing old head in the first machine shop I worked at told me that the real creativity comes when you try to fix a screw up, and trust me, they happen everywhere. Most who only see the final product often never know they even happen.

[@gonesideways6621]

Tool and Die maker for 45 years tell my trainees everyone makes mistakes but being creative to solve mistake is where true learning comes from.

[@2eyedjack433]

It's not how good you are, it's how good you fix your mistakes! Nice job.

[@johnwalsh4271]

One of the really great carpenters that I apprenticed for told me the exact same thing! Forty years later it's still fresh in my mind.

[@robertdibussolo3355]

You know what impresses me, is that you made the video showing the error and acknowledging it. I have to believe most wouldn't. It shows the integrity of you and your dad. Impressive!

[@gregred78]

Owning up to a mistake shows more integrity than most other shops are even capable of doing. As stated we are all human and mistakes are a part of life just making sure to do the right thing is the hardest part of making the mistake! Correcting it is the easy part after admitting it......

[@timeinbu7909]

Your honesty and showing your repair is educational and appreciated

[@a6o932]

I'm seriously so happy you called it an engine and not a motor! There's a difference people!

[@spaceghost8995]

You can call it a motor also. You never heard the term "Motorhead"? 😂😂

[@juanitasthoughts]

Coming from a family of inventors who designed, made, and manufactured farm equipment in Greybull, Wyoming a machine shop will always smell like home! Thanks Nic and Jim for sharing your craft! And don't be surprised if you end up with my Chevelle's little 283 small block for some additional TLC. 😉

[@joeforcier9902]

Shoot I was just near greybull . Beautiful bullys btw

[@Kentuckywaterfall69]

The Deere is back! Yay its gonna get fixed propper. You guys are dedicated to doin the job right and thats amazing! Shit happens as they say and no ones perfect. Keep being awesome and treating customers right!

[@keithmray]

I agree with Bill. That's a lot of work and extra risk to do all that extra work. It seems it would be the easiest and best solution to just bore out those incorrect sleeves and install a new set properly. Plus that repair will always be in question. Why not just do it right and forget about it.

[@brianjohnston413]

God Bless the family run Small American business owner and employees. This is how you grow. Principles matter. Honesty is everything. We are all human and we all make mistakes. It's what you do after you make one that really matters and these guys have it down!

[@rogermontee8264]

We all make mistakes and you owned up to it and made it right.Be honest about this situation and admitting you made a mistake makes you a great person. The repair turned out great.Love watching your work.Thanks for sharing.👍👍👍👍☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@shertechsystems]

I appreciate that you stepped up and called first. This is why I follow you.

[@halletts1171]

Great job! I know everyone's going to say "why not resleeve" but I think that repair will last a lifetime. Those old JD's are such low rpm engines anyway, again beautiful workmanship Nick.

[@jackgreen412]

That's the best advertising you could ever buy. Nothing like dealing with an honest and upfront business that admits to and rectifies their mistakes. 👍

[@motorvaderlapstrake7238]

Beautiful. That tractor, with proper maintenance, will run forever with that repair. Good job!

[@deanleyh8936]

Guys, I love these videos they are grate… I am heading into retirement soon from 30 years in the railroad overhead electrification industry, along with that I have been a dedicated dragracer for as long… One of the guys in the Maryland / Baltimore area that has done my machine work over the years is also retiring and I had the opportunity to buy his complete machine shop, and I have done so… Most of the equipment is the same as what you have including the bore mill… He is training me on each machine but being able to watch you in action on your machines is huge in helping me learn… Please keep up the good work and thank you… Dean

[@craigd5169]

We had the same problem on a model B, we actually had the engine assembled and running when we noticed a tick, after inspection that’s what we found the oil ring hitting the sleeve seat, engine builder took good care of us and re sleeved it for us

[@JohnH20111]

owning up to your mistakes and fixing them is a great way to show the customers that you’re willing to do the honorable thing and not just do the littlest thing about it as a Retired Army Veteran, you’re showing all 7 of the Army Values Loyalty Duty Respect Selfless Service Honor Integrity Personal Courage

[@vincentshelpfulhints4085]

mistakes are just a learning curve.... Honest people are worth their weight in Gold.. My opinion

[@vicchiapetta4166]

I think it’s just great to see such Humble, Wonderful People such as you both!! God Bless You, keep on being Honest, and you will be more successful than you can even imagine!!

[@WarlordMarty]

I'll agree that it won't please everyone, but the repair will be perfectly fine. Very good of you to give them a lifetime warranty on it 👍

[@vincentguttmann2231]

It doesn't have to please everyone. I bet the customer doesn't give a damn what some bloke on the other end of the world thinks. And yes, the lifetime warranty alone is the opposite of a giant red flag. Maybe that's a green flag?

[@VolksStokes]

Wish everyone were as honest and confident as you guys! Kudos!

[@gregoryschmitz2131]

You guys are on the pointy end of the spear and how you correct it is not a U Tube opinion contest. The reality is we learn best from our mistakes and as long as we learn and do not repeat, that is as good as it gets.

[@gboots9009]

I'm glad to see that you guys found a way to correct the problem and are being honest about what happened. The repair looks beautiful!

[@robertprice2108]

All is good that ends well. Nice job. I'm not a machinist but a auto tech for over 40 years and have a very good friend that owns a machine shop an seen him do some things like that to fix other machine shops mistakes and worked fine. Stay safe guys

[@ophirb25]

The important part of making a mistake, is taking the responsibility for it, which you did nicely. Great work.

[@richardmorton1310]

Outstanding. And I love that you and your dad found a way to get you interested in the family biz. Nothing better.

[@thomasbunch8476]

You don't know what you don't know. Glad it was caught early. How can you beat a lifetime warranty?

[@Bill-xc8le]

You cant, unless the company would happen to go out of buisness.

[@alfonsobernabe4291]

Always very true

[@weirddeere]

I didn't catch it watching the earlier vid and I'm a Deere guy. I've heard of it more then once! Glad you found it and repaired it. I was surprised by the choice of repair but I can't see how it would be any problem at all!

[@Bill-xc8le]

Thats why you buy Red.

[@weirddeere]

​@@Bill-xc8le Everybody has their preference. I prefer the color of money so at least I know where it went LOL

[@Bill-xc8le]

@@weirddeere lol!!

[@dclfarms6204]

Love the old tractors on here as I’ve said before. Looks like a solid repair that will give the owner another 60 years of service

[@iainburgess8577]

the more i watch your videos, the more i respect you & your dad. always managing to balance humility, confidence & willingness to learn, on your terms: you hold your own counsel, make your own calls, hold your own accountability & will not be dictated to. but never abrasive or offensive if you can help it. A work/life ethic respected the world over. it's the classic American Can-Do attitude that once Earned deep, worldwide respect, but is now something international people rarely see: your military & Very Rare, respected individuals of note. my respects to you both.

[@watomb]

Guessing finding the parts are very difficult. That engine is very low rpm so I’m guessing the repair will last beyond your lifetime. Good video

[@MrDillon2029]

You live and you learn shout out to these guys for acknowledging they messed up and making it right! Super great guys

[@redduc9523]

Not many shops would admit to a mistake. Thanks for your honesty and the repair looks amazing, great work!!

[@felipe69420]

I absolutely love this video. Seeing how you would actually fix a machining mistake is fascinating.

[@seanmcalorum6464]

I lost my father about 10 years ago now. He was very patient and forgiving with me.Your Dad is pretty cool and if it weren't for our age difference we would probably be friends in a different reality. Give your Dad a big hug for me.

[@nathanwall9160]

Can’t even tell anything was done to it. Someone that admits they made a mistake is a better person in my eyes.

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Your steady focus on the mill setting process is so complete your eyes never blink

[@samrodian919]

Fair play to you! Most engine shops would repair it and keep very quiet only the customer knowing a mistake had occurred. But you guys have owned up to your mistake, and rectified it in a very professional manner and no way with those three cast iron plugs in each bottom sleeve will that ever move and the oil control ring will slide right over the dead square joint with no problem. Well done , problem solved! One thing given some of the comments here I might have considered was getting the pistons and cutting the oil control ring groove half in further up the piston. Would that have been an option I wonder? Comments on a postcard please!

[@muggins57]

Nice save on that job! Creative solution to the problem! I would have total confidence running those cylinders!

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Awesome job and that's great that you share all your mistakes in this fashion. I agree the repair is probably going to hold up no problem. Although if it was mine I would be a little uneasy about it. With all the expansion and contraction of the cylinder over many years I feel like those little plugs could come loose. But then again I'm kind of a lunatic with my own stuff. Anyway, superb fix to an unfortunate mistake.

[@moondogdieselworks3883]

That’s a absolutely solid repair, and it’s not a mistake if you can fix it better then good. People only complain if it fails but you rarely get any credit if it lasts.

[@12gageshot]

I think that at least the community help catch the issue before it could have been bad. But we are all human and we should be nice and help others. Excellent video and lesson.

[@kyzor-sosay6087]

I enjoy your channel.Not even a machinist,enjoy watching you guys,and thanks for the feedback on the questions and comments.This was an interesting repair. Fantastic job.Looking forward to the next one.

[@lourias]

I am not a machinist; I do not even work a full-time job. However, I love watching videos like this just to know what is actually being done why my son sends engines to the machine shop. Such specific knowledge!

[@kc360awareness]

Integrity = respect

[@craigkeller]

Admitting an error and then making it right builds a solid gold reputation. Priceless.

[@joesmith9577]

I don't know enough about Machining engines to say whether or not this repair is sufficient or not anyone who stands behind their work is a true Craftsman and very rare in this day and time keep up the good work

[@davidmacfadyen165]

Honest video and probably the only one that shows sleeving a sleeve. Well you learn everyday thanks man 👍

[@dc8man2]

Well done. Good to see people willing to stand behind their work and address mistakes when they happen. Thanks for the video.

[@Bustafunny]

I admire your integrity. You definitely HONED up to your previous error. :)

[@dennisdarvishian5919]

It's not a f**k up if you can fix it. That's the difference between a mechanic and a craftsman. Keep doing the right thing 👍👊🙏✌️

[@keithtynan7469]

I am very impressed by your integrity. I hope your local community understands how important that is.

[@johnavatar331]

I've been watching for a while and I do wish there are alot more shops like you here in Hawaii. It's like finding a hay in a needle stack where everyone is trying to prick you. Id have you build my projects in a heart beat.

[@pilot4them2010]

Everyone makes mistakes. Those that are not afraid to own up to them and do what they can to fix or remedy the issue, will always have my respect.

[@guido0582]

At least you admitted you made a mistake and showed how to fix it. Great job

[@CXensation]

You always evaluate how far out you are in the river, before you go back and start over. Well done !

[@jimfarm483]

No one can do perfect work at all times, great repair and better attitude.

[@markhensley9378]

Mistakes happen. Fix them and learn from them and then move on. Thanks for your time today.

[@jacklioyd8571]

You will go far with that belief in life. Keeping it real is always the best policies. Thanks. Jack.

[@jamiefultz5937]

Atleast u read the comments and went and checked ur work awesome job

[@thomasholland5841]

Just found this channel yesterday definitely top notch stuff

[@jamesdavis8021]

I was skeptical about the way you described how you were going to fix the problem but,after seeing the🎉results, I give it a thumbs up 👍

[@danausgr]

Humility & honesty always win. Thanks 👍👍👍 for sharing!!!

[@paulallen4650]

I'm picturing a plexiglass lid or disc with a keyhole opening for the cutter that would allow you to rest a pocket- sized LED flashlight on end right next to the boring bar. A couple of magnets set higher than the glass would allow adjustment without drawing chips to the glass. Hot chips will probably embed themselves, and cold ones will eventually sandblast the glass, but it looks like you guys do a lot of boring setups so it might be worth the hassle. Excellent machining on display here.

[@jonthompson6867]

Not that I know much of what you do but I appreciate you putting yourselves out there making things right.

[@GUIRADE95]

You did ok! Chit happens! The repair you did makes no trouble at all in the thermal issue! I have or use to work on a lot of CAT Engines like the 941/951/977/ D8 etc and "some" times we had to do the same thing you did, and never never had and issue, some of those engines were working 10 hours a day per month over a full year and happy as ever!

[@robertbrady5009]

Awesome! I think it's very cool that feedback from your viewers helped!

[@blairguinea6811]

Wow wow , professional engineering ...............love it . Thank you Sir

[@darrelschulte6214]

Great job correcting the very honest mistake

[@craigtimmons3468]

Even a Robot will have mistakes, you went far and beyond with the fix, not only did you fess up to the mistake but you give the Coustomer a Life Time Guarantee WOOOOOW Thats Awesome 👌

[@Westie_NZ]

Brilliant repair. I love watching you guys work.

[@geraldguenard4095]

I admire your honesty.

[@Maysin777]

Takes a GREAT company to admit they made a mistake! Class act guys!

[@johnseavey6622]

Model A runs at 975 R P M. Has a 5.5 inch bore (as was done) and a 6.75 inch stroke. Those engines do run slow compared to any modern engine. Most old tractors are now a hobby doing parades and such and not worked hard anymore, would like to know if this is the case with this one though. I own a john deere B and an mt. Got to love that 2 cylinder sound.

[@marcnissen578]

You are a craftsman that I damn fine job no matter what other people say your dad is a good teacher my hats off to him God Bless be safe

[@markw95]

Myself, I don't like the idea of a joint between two sleeves in a bore. I would have machine counter bore at top and machine matching step in sleeve to press into counter bore. However, not my tractor. Admiration gor the honesty, integrity in business!

[@mikemalone1579]

I’ve used the tp 235 plugs on moline jugs before to lock the cylinders in place when re sleeving after someone had bored through and didn’t leave a ledge. Works great

[@austral7634]

A brilliant job well done, and my compliments to you from Melbourne, Australia.

[@scottybear6265]

I want you to freshen up my coyote 5 . Lit . I watch you as much as I can and like your business attitude and honesty. If I could I would send you the motor but I’m not sure if you want to, anyway I like your channel you and you dad should have a weekly show. The fantastic automotive experts from a small garage. I hope to see the next episodes soon , be safe

[@johnnyholland8765]

36 years as an aerospace machinist has taught me the more money a part costs the more creative your repairs get when something goes wrong and believe me I have had to repair some big dollar stuff... Nothing wrong with the repair you have done. Those engines are low RPM low compression engines. When you do a job you have never done before it is all a learning experience. Next time you sleeve one of those blocks you will know to go full length with your sleeve. Most of those blocks can be bored oversize or sleeved. I have a 1940 model B that the block was cracked so I managed to find a NOS block in Missouri. I could have sleeved it but managed to find another block. Maybe this owner wasn't that lucky and had to go with what he had. Again I don't think the owner will ever have a problem with the repair and if he does as you stated you will stand behind it and that says volumes about your business ethic. Please let us know how it turns out.

[@masterprocrastinator8521]

Good job dude. This is a good example of no matter what, there's always something new to learn in your profession

[@magnus9165]

Well, it is not everyday that one does repairs on John Deere engine blocks. Honest mistake and you showed us what you are made of with your reaction to it. You took it and did not try to divert or blame others for it, so all is well. Great job.

[@stumpy259]

Thank you for sharing this, I restore antique tractors and engines and I would have never thought of looking at the rings and cyl length. I'm going to have a hit and miss engine sleeved, I'm pretty sure the bottom ring shows on it also. I will definitely let my machine shop know so they can address it.