Why does every new guy think torque specs are optional on head bolts

I was helping a buddy swap a 6.7 Cummins head gasket last Saturday and he told me he just tightens them till they feel snug. I nearly walked off the job right there. He's been doing diesel work for like 8 months and already thinks he knows better than the service manual. I had to pull out my torque wrench and show him the difference between 90 ft-lbs and what he was guessing at. The thing is, one wrong torque on a head bolt and you're looking at another blown gasket in 10,000 miles. That's a $2000 mistake if you're paying a shop to redo it. How do you get through to guys who think they've got a magic touch instead of using a proper sequence and specs?

2 comments

2 Comments

william_miller1mo ago

Same pattern I see with DIY guys painting without primer, just skipping steps because they feel faster.

jade_hernandez1mo ago

Primer's cheap insurance though. Skipping it just means more work later fixing paint that won't stick.