In a message dated 8/20/05 3:34:57 PM, eduntz@HOTMAIL.COM writes:

<< Should I be paying for the fact that he couldn't drill it out well? >>

No, by your description he was a born again hack, but how can you be made
whole again?  In an ideal world he would be made to repair the head to it's
original state or else replace it with a new one.  A small claims court is supposed
to be the forum from which to address these things, yet, there you will be at
the mercy of a judge who quite likely does not know a cylinder head from a
Cuisinart.  Still, you could prevail with the right amount of expert ($)
testimony and representation ($) bolstering your argument.  If you have the time and
tenacity, go for it.

I've been to court on matters large and small.  I've come to the conclusion
that with enough convolution any argument can be made logical and the only way
to avoid a pious-faced reaming in a courtroom is to hire a gun from out of
town; that is, someone who will not run into the opposition or Your Honor while he
 is taking a steam at the local club.

So, what can you do that is cost effective?

George