Looking to buy, question about maintenance history

[Chvee]

Hey guys, looking at a nice 2016 GT350 with 19k miles. On the carfax report it says “valve cover gasket replaced” in 2022 with 15k miles. Is that something I should stay away from since these cars have their known issues? Deal breaker? Everything else looks pretty normal on the report. Thanks for the help.

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[Skye]

I don't see it as a deal breaker.

The following is a TSB, not for the 5.2L, but for the 5.0L.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10167184-0001.pdf

Valve cover gaskets leaking and valve covers loosening are somewhat common? I can't speak to the percentage, but there have been several threads on the topic. One specific to GT350s follows.

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/valve-cover-leak.174008/

Actual GT350 Owners can provide feedback as the day continues. They can also give insight on specific things to look for before purchase, if you're not already familiar.

Welcome to the forums BTW.

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/introduce-yourself.6728/

 

[CANTWN4LSN]

First, a 2016 can be tech or track pack. While debatable, and many claim no problem, I would personally avoid tech car if in high ambient temp environment or spirited/track use anticipated.
I had oil consumption issues which when got down to 1 qt/800 miles took her in and told it was "oil pan gasket". Nope, continued down and eventually three bad cylinders on compression/leak down test and engine replaced at 53k under ESP.
Certainly could have just had a valve cover gasket leak on the car you are looking at and would not keep you from buying. However, remote possibility it is a cover for oil usage like my situation.
Haven't heard it mentioned and may be overkill but if I were to purchase a used 2016/2017 with original engine would strongly consider spending few hundred bucks on a compression/leak down test before buying.
I will probably get flamed for suggesting this as a lot of people dismiss the oil consumption issue on these cars as a small percentage anomaly but it would be interesting to get a solid number by starting a thread and listing all chassis numbers of cars that had engine replacement to get closer to a real number. Then again, ...

 

[lunatect]

My 2016 developed a warped driver side valve cover. They are made of fiberglass. Replacing the valve cover stopped the leak.

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