I can't remember if I did the procedure right or like everyone else. But knock on wood, they are holding just fine.

 

I, as well as everyone else I know still uses the torque pattern and sequence with aftermarket parts as they do with factory parts. Some times the torque value may change, if you think this sequence is not important, you have not replaced enough head gaskets, same goes with resetting the valve lash.

 

Sequence shouldn't make any difference as you do not have a slack head. A sequence is used to insure proper dispersion of force, and not warp or kink anything. Changing retainers one by one is fine as the force is barely changed.
I do not agree with not checking the lash again, but there wouldn't be much more than a couple thousands of an inch change anyway. I HAVE to do it when I remove them because my customer is paying for it to be done.
As said above, there is my opinion shared. Take it for what you will.

 

you cant go wrong that way

 

Always being a strong follower of: Do as the technical manual predicts-

I copied the expert tips of the Victor Reinz company, an OE Cummins seal supplier.

You will find three PDF's:

-the first about multilayer head gaskets



-the second about bolts



-the third about composite head gaskets and failure analysis



Believe in a world of technical laws is the first step to failure. Never assume- always check!

 

My Opinion Changing Head Bolts ...

When replacing a head gasket ALL the bolts are removed at once there for pressure is released from the entire gasket area. In this instance when replacing the head bolts you need to go by a specific pattern to ensure that the pressure is applied evenly across the head on to the gasket.

This thread is about replacing the stock head bolts with aftermarket bolts which are stronger. if you were to remove all the stock head bolts at once then you would have to put them back in , in a manner to where even pressure is applied. if you remove and replace 1 bolt at a time then the even pressure was not released from the head gasket there for making it completely irrelevant.

As for the Valve lash I Asked if they reset it after removing and replacing the rockers and i was told no, since this man has did this same thing probably 100 times i figure after checking the first 25 sets he did and them not needing readjusted he just quit checking them. Then i took a good look and as long as the lash adjustment nut and set screw wasn't changed then it shouldn't make a difference. Now if you want to be **** about it for cripes sake check the valve lash then you'll know. Check it before as well so you can report back the change , or maybe ill go pull one off on video and show lash before and after with no change? Obviously it don't matter because he didn't do it, rather than defaulting to "Lazy" or "Dumb ***" or anything like that , lets take into consideration that this wasn't his first rodeo.

This is the very reason why the most educated people in diesel performance wont get on forums , there is always someone who thinks they know it all , these people do this to put food on the table and ill take the word of a hard working man thats done it everyday for years before i pull out a manual written by someone who has never had a hood open.

 

Truth of the matter, this is what I do for a living, and I would hate to see someone have a failure or problem stem from going down the same path I would not do myself.

 

What are the specs on these bolts? Grade 12.9 like most socket head cap screws are? Are they the same exact length as the factory bolts but harder? These sound like a good deal if you cant afford studs.

 

These come with custom milled washers , you cannot just buy harden bolts and put them in , even if you could you would find the price to be close to what these cost with the washers and all not to mention years of trial and error on sizes and strengths.

 

Alright. I figured i could try and get some information. Im not trying to be sneaky or steal business but i do have free access to socket head cap screws, CNC machined parts and sending things off to get hardened and hydrogen embrittlement testing. Having family in business is always nice.

Do you have any idea how many people are running this setup? I'm not in the ballpark for studs and i doubt i ever will be so this seems like a viable option if there are proven examples.

Thanks.