Retorquing Head Nuts on 188D Engine

[JAMH]

I'm in the process of reassembling the engine after installing an overhaul kit. My manual says to operate the engine for one hour (under load if possible) to thoroughly warm up the engine and seat the head gasket. The manual then says to retorque each head nut, one at a time, by backing them off 1/4 turn and retorque. There are 4 head nuts that I cannot get a torque wrench on without removing the injectors and there are 3 head nuts right next to the rocker arm posts that I can't get a socket on without disassembly either. My concern is that by the time I remove the 4 injectors and the rocker arm train the engine will have cooled down a fair bit. So my question is, is it important that the engine is still hot when retorquing the head nuts?

 

[chuck machinist]

See your local snap on man and ask for the FRDH221 11/16 wrench, or the FRDH181 ranch that is 9/16. I cannot remember which one offhand that is the nut size for the 188D.. This will help you avoid having to take your rocker arm assembly off.CM

 

[rustred]

the thing is once you start torquing bolts you will get about 1/8-1/4 turn more. that is with out loosening them. i do not do that. so jusy use a wrench on the ones you get at cant at and go by feel. thats my opinion and what i have done at times. and yes the engine will still be warm which is good. something about case and their loosening then retorque, i have retorqued lots of engines and dont do the loosening thing. as an example if the torque is 100 ft lbs then run it, on the retorque the nut will be turning before you reach 100 ft lbs,... so why loosen them. that is my tryed and experienced hands on deal. just because a manual says something that is not written in stone.

 

[Eagle Beagle]

Proto makes them as well, order from Grainger and have them in a day or two.

Beagle