Chris,
Was this a rebuilt motor, a motor that had never been apart or?? Was/is the issue related to assembly?
All 4 nuts loose, top or bottom or both?
Stock studs with Dilivar on bottom row? Which ones had loose nuts?
What sort of thermal stresses had it been exposed to? I realize we never really get the true story from the client...
Which failure mode occurred first, the CE ring or the nuts coming loose?
Reducing the variables is important, but understanding what causes them is equally important.
I realize our sample size is small. We see these motors daily and have rebuilt around 40 and inspected another 60 or so. But, every time we see significant leakage between cylinder and case, cylinder and head or a damaged mating surface (either cylinder or head) there is a broken stud to go with it.
I am not saying it doesn't happen (because clearly it does), just saying we are yet to see it.
Would love to know/understand a method or parts selection which would help improve or eliminate the issue.
Cheers