[AT] Union Labor and Tractors

[Gene Dotson]

    To All;
    I have 13 antique tractors and all were made in the USA and
likely by union labor.
    I believe everyone has their own opinions about labor unions
and nobody will change their mind.
    This trivial matter has taken up my time and band width on
this "TRACTOR" site. I know it is winter and some of you aren't
able to get out and use your tracrors and maybe don't have a
place to work on them now, but at least we can reminesce about
our experiences.

    My project now is rebuilding the engine in my 1948 Case LA.
I will be installing M&W 4 7/8" pistons and sleeves and a 5845A
propane head. I expect to end up with over 80 horsepower to
better run the sawmills and threshing machines at some of the
shows I attend.
    The engine had a lot of wear in the sleeves and one piston
had 2 fractured rings, that came out in 1/4" pieces. Also had
carbon buildup on the valves and seats that prevented the valves
from seating. This tractor has hardened seats and Stellite
valves for both intake and exhaust, so both are still in good
shape, just need ground. I am excited about getting this done
and look forward to showing it off this summer, especially at
Portland.

                    Gene