To properly install all 16? Yea, an hour. Doing it the dealership way, yea probably a half hour.

 

Properly install? just what is the improper way. We aint checking preload, all we is doin is installing the rockers.

 

Torque that bolt to 22ft lbs while the lifter is on the nose of the lobe, then roll it around to the base circle and see what the torque is. You have to torque them on the base circle.

 

ding ding , what he said ... PROPERLY install rocker arms, depending on how you are rotating the engine each bank could take you a half hour. They design diesels a little different, they are designed to be rebuild and repaired routinely so the better designs only make you rotate the crank to 3 or 4 spots and then tell you which to lash in the manual. Most gassers are meant to last 200k and throw away so when your doing valve lash you get to rotate check and recheck.

BUT after all the bitching and sniping at each other I would estimate that a good shop or experienced LS guy WITH all the right tools (ie no screwdriver/prybars) could probably get you a head gasket swapped out in 8-10 hours. AND you want it to take that long, they rush YOU lose.

 

I agree with doing the right torque method no doubt, I had TDC cyl#1 marked so my rocker install went quick. If it takes you more than a minute per bolt then you must be standing around.

Haha I can't believe we're debating this but whatever it's fun to sit around and bullshit.

There's too many variables that can make it a 4-5 hr job vs 6-8 hrs long. Cleaning head bolt holes if you don't have studs, dirty head gasket residue on the deck etc..