Mechanic Mistake

Hey y'all, I recently had the valve cover gaskets and seals done on my 2005 4.7 and I noticed they accidentally clamped a ground wire into the valve cover. I already spoke to them and am bringing it back. I don't know what their solution is going to be, do you think that gasket should be replaced? I'm worried they are going to want to just loosen the cover and pull it out and tighten the bolts back down and it will eventually end up leaking sooner because the gasket could be damage. It's currently leaking oil, that's how I ended up noticing it. I've never had a shop screw something up, what would y'all do?
It's hard to get a good photo because there's not much space but here are a couple pics.

 

I may get a lot of push back on this but I believe it would be fine just loosening, pulling out the wire, and then retightening and torquing. I would then just keep a close eye on it for any leaks. Don’t forget to look at the ground wire for damage also. The mechanic shop may want to go all the way with the gasket replacement but I doubt it.

 

Inspection of the gasket would be needed. I lean towards replacement without seeing it. Clamping down unevenly may have deformed the gasket in a manor that will cause premature failure. This is speaking for someone who PAID to have it done right and will have to PAY to have it down again when it fails. Me? I might just give it a whirl after removing the ground wire from it. But that’s because I’m the one that’s gonna fix it if it leaks.

 

I did something similar once on a different vehicle except it was a little vacuum line.
I took it apart, inspected, looked fine and reassembled, no leaks.

That being said, if I’d paid someone to do it I’d want to see the gasket before reassembly (not just loosen, pull out wire and retighten), and some extended warranty or something on it if it should start to leak.

 

At the very least, don't let the shop simply loosen the area where the wire is clamped and then tighten it back down. There's a specific sequence for tightening the bolts on the valve covers, and it needs to be done in three or four equal steps, so it really needs to be removed completely. Once removed, a thorough inspection of the gasket should be done.

 

If they refuse to replace it, make sure you get a warranty on it from leaks for a sufficient period of time.

 

Yeah, I would definitely point that out OP in the FSM if they’re not going to pull the whole cover off and retighten with a new gasket.

 

Most shops don’t know the nuances of FGTs. I firmly believe owners should learn to do basic maintenance. This is an easy home repair. Next time do it yourself and you’ll know it was done right.

 

My first piece of advice for those considering FGT ownership. Don’t buy one unless you’re loaded, or handy. They will need repairs and maintenance and the cost to pay someone will add up fast

 

I would add that it's also a passion to some (me). I truly enjoy working on and making my FGT the best it can be. It's fun to develop a relationship. IYKYK.

 

Well next time the valve covers need to be done I'll do it myself
Thanks those of y'all that were helpful, I'm going in Monday.

 

I was just about to say "you're nuts!" for saying this, but then I mentally added up all my receipts for the last two years of FGT ownership. My FGT is 24 years old now, but yeah, you are indeed correct on this.

 

If you do it yourself it still beats a new truck payment. Plus there really isn’t any new truck like ours.

 

I'd be shocked if they actually did this correctly.

 

I’ve spent about $8-9000 over the life of my truck on mods and maintenance. I’ve owned it 19 years. Including the $16k I paid for it, I’ve paid $25k for 19 years of joyful ownership. I enjoy mods and maintenance, if it’s on a worthy vehicle. This one has been beyond worthy. I irrationally love this truck.

 

I've only owned mine for less than two years, and I feel exactly what you're talking about.