Cam Tower repair ‘while you are in there’

[BRob2756]

2013 LC
112k
Baselined all fluids 95k-105k

Have an oil leak at the valve covers. Going to outsource job to a reputable shop. Question is, should I ask them to fix the cam tower leak while they are in there? Assuming it would save a good bit of labor but is it worth it as preventative maintenance? Thanks!

 

[BRob2756]

2013 LC
112k
Baselined all fluids 95k-105k

Have an oil leak at the valve covers. Going to outsource job to a reputable shop. Question is, should I ask them to fix the cam tower leak while they are in there? Assuming it would save a good bit of labor but is it worth it as preventative maintenance? Thanks!

Should clarify. There is no current cam tower leak. No signs but know it is fairly common on this series/age.

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

2013 LC
112k
Baselined all fluids 95k-105k

Have an oil leak at the valve covers. Going to outsource job to a reputable shop. Question is, should I ask them to fix the cam tower leak while they are in there? Assuming it would save a good bit of labor but is it worth it as preventative maintenance? Thanks!

No.

Replacing the valve cover gaskets (along with the upper spark plug tube seals) is super easy, 2 hour job.

Getting to the cam towers adds: taking everything off the front of the motor. All cooling components, and every accessory. Then removing the timing chain cover, and all timing components.

So you add about 12-15 to get to the cam towers. Basically, going from valve covers to the cam towers is not a “while you are in there job.”

It’s kinda like having your tires balanced, and while you are there, having a lift put on. It’s not going to really save you any money. If a shop says it will, they are either uneducated on the 5.7, or you are paying way to much for two valve covers to come off.

 

[BRob2756]

No.

Replacing the valve cover gaskets (along with the upper spark plug tube seals) is super easy, 2 hour job.

Getting to the cam towers adds: taking everything off the front of the motor. All cooling components, and every accessory. Then removing the timing chain cover, and all timing components.

So you add about 12-15 to get to the cam towers. Basically, going from valve covers to the cam towers is not a “while you are in there job.”

It’s kinda like having your tires balanced, and while you are there, having a lift put on. It’s not going to really save you any money. If a shop says it will, they are either uneducated on the 5.7, or you are paying way to much for two valve covers to come off.

Thanks - good info. Shop hasn’t said anything about it and I am unfamiliar with the labor process. Thought I would ask just in case it was a no brainer. Keep it rollin!

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

Thanks - good info. Shop hasn’t said anything about it and I am unfamiliar with the labor process. Thought I would ask just in case it was a no brainer. Keep it rollin!

Anytime. Better to ask early on, then to make last minute decisions while at a shop.

I didn’t think the shop asked if you wanted to go deeper into the motor. I just say things like that as I was on the other side and know a lot of the dirty little secrets techs and mechanics like to play. So my allegiance is to fellow cruisers guys, and not to a business. That’s why you’ll see in a lot of my posts, I throw in something about, “don’t take what a shop say as fact if they say xxxxxxx.” Hope that makes sense. Enjoy the ride.