well ray its been great to get your insite on these issues.anyway when ever you get my sleeve could you give me a update on the condition?this motor is three years old,its been one of the best and most dependable engine i have ever had(close to 7 gallons).when ever i took it apart i did see contaimination on the top of the sleeve(dark coloring).i have ran it for the most part of its life,and then gave the car and all to my brother.what im concerned about is if the it was sucking dirt.the car is still in my care but im trying to show him the ins and outs of nitro.i let him do all the small stuff like filter changes,if it was sucking dirt let me know so i can scald him.i may tell him that anyway just so he checks and double checks.thanks ray,steve britt.