Watching people skip the torque wrench on aluminum heads

I keep seeing guys just crank down on aluminum cylinder heads with an impact, especially on those newer GM 2.7L turbos. The threads in the block are so soft, you're basically guaranteeing a future repair. Had a truck come in yesterday where the owner did his own gasket and three studs were already pulling out. Anyone else seeing this become a regular thing in their shop?

2 comments

2 Comments

maxm501mo ago

Man, it's pure laziness. They watch a YouTube video and think speed equals skill, but they're just writing a check for the next guy. That soft aluminum block doesn't stand a chance.

coleman.karen1mo ago

So what's the next guy's check actually paying for?