Hey guys I’m getting my heads back on and reading the Manuel as far as the head bolts goes it states 80-106 inch lbs then tighten to 142-168 inch lbs. few questions. First do I do this in 10 lbs increments from 10lbs-20-30-40 etc till the end torque or do I start at 80 inch lbs? Second, I have a foot lbs torque wrench can I convert the inch lbs to ft lbs and use the wrench I have and be safe ? Thanks in advance btw. It’s a 1987 flhtc.

 

First question is what gaskets are you using?
If OEM then follow what's in the manual and if they are aftermarket (Cometic or James steel gaskets are the general favorite) then follow the directions that come with the aftermarket gaskets.
FWIW you missed a step for OEM gaskets and that is after you do the larger setting you have to turn the bolts another 90°.
Oh and yes you can convert in-lbs to ft-lbs and use your torque wrench.

 

so the gaskets I ordered are made my reliant gasket. The head gasket is a steel gaskets though. The did not come with any specific torque specs. So with that in mind should I follow James gasket torque recommendations? Or should I go by the Manuel ?

I called reliant gasket and they had no answer. She told me to google torque specs Lololol I was like ummm.

 

I've never heard of Reliant gaskets but that doesn't mean much.
Sounds like really shitty customer service.
They should have been able to tell you to follow factory specs or not.
IMO you should send them back and get some better gaskets.

 

I went and looked at Reliant gaskets and I can tell you there ain't no way I'm putting that stuff in my motor.
I really don't like the look of them JMO.

 

Jims #2392

 

Is it a single or multi layer steel (MLS) head gasket? And what is the thickness of the head gasket..

 

This is one of the few areas on these things where precision really matters.

I wouldn't guess.

If the Reliant people can't give you exact instructions, I'd dump those and get a set of Cometic.

Or stick with the Reliant, use the FSM specs/procedure, and hope for the best.

Personally, while its not that big of a deal if you have to go back in and do it over, I'd rather not take any chances.

 

I agree with others, use different gaskets.

However it sounds like just an aftermarket replacement/copy of the stock stuff. If that is the case, either what they recommend or what’s in your factory manual.

But again, take this opportunity to get some high quality gaskets with a known positive reputation like cometic mls and sls. YD

 

After what Customer service said, think I would bite the bullet and go for OEM gaskets.