Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) headgasket fire ring problem..help!

[DDarmos]

I put my headgasket, studs, and firerings on and started to torque at 100lbs. Then realized I forgot the guide for the head. So I took the head off my friend said the gasket and rings where junk now, because they were crushed. They another friend who works at a speed shop said they would be fine as long as they was not heat put to them. It was never started or even finest torquing down, any input is needed. I have been down over 2 months and I need my truck now. What a pain.

Thank You, Darin

 

[DWitcher]

That sucks but if I had to do it over I would wait and get another head gasket and fire rings.

 

[Bandit1]

dont cut a corner now, get a new set. even if those rings were crushed (or gasket) a few thou that is enough for a leak to start, especially at higher boost numbers. depending on what fire rings you have torque is so critical with the 12mm studs, now the 14's will crush the snot out of them ( i have a set of rings after each, and you can see the difference) after the new rings and gasket, go up in small amounts to 125 lb on the studs for the final torque to really crush the harder rings more evenly and completely. do it once do it right.