As I do not wish Terry Sanders to get hate mail, I joined the list (as I
should have long ago) to post this unfortunate incident.
Please note that I do NOT have an axe to grind with Phoenix. Additionally, I
am not happy this happened to me. So on with the show.
erry, Please forward this reply.
<< I was concerned to read Terry's message which suggested that there
might be a problem with the well-regarded Phoenix products.
Rather than mince words!!!
The engine to which all was referring was my engine, the 1934 Lester P type
owned and raced by Don Pitt. Now mind you, I think all people can make an
error but Mike Allison has built a few racing MMM engines in his lifetime
aside from knowing the marque just a tad. The real proof follows.
Mile rebuilt my engine (I went to England for 2 weeks in April of 1999 to
experience the rebuild process myself) in an utmost efficient, scientific and
thorough manner. He has used the Phoenix cranks, rods and bolts in according
to his count more than 50 rebuilds without a hitch.... Until now.
An independent engineer assigned from the insurance company with which
Mike is insured witnessed the tear down of my engine and proclaimed all was
proper with the rebuild.
The engine was not removed from the box after it was shipped from the
States until the independent engineer was present and had the customs seal on
it prior to the engine coming out of the crate. I personally packed the box
here in New Jersey.
The rod bolts in question were analyzed BY AN INDEPENDENT LABORATORY and
found to be faulty......end of story! What you wish to do with this
information is up to you.
Additionally, after Mike notified Phoenix, they put out an updaed bulletin on
torque specs for thier bolts.
It would seem incredibly short sighted for a reputable company to give
grief to a well know MG restorer and expert on the marque who has used their
products of years on taking responsibility for this failure if they were
going to "remain in business" for the long term.
My advice to Mr. Morbey with all due respect is to beware as "white man
speak with forked tongue!" (For all you Brits, this was the way the American
Indian viewed the "word" of the white man when he first came to the new
continent} Dick, you will not get any more direct knowledge than mine,
irrespective of what you were fed!! BTW, my engine did 1,200 miles prior to
the bolts shearing and none of it racing! Go figure that.
Dick, best of luck with your engine.
Joseph
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