Engine Won't Turn Over After Valve Cover Repair?

2004 CADILLAC CTS
159,800 MILES • 3.2L • MANUAL
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JMASTRO13
Before these were changed I was getting white smoke bad idling and stalling.
Now this mechanic repair this problem and the car won't turn over. What ground wires possible common problems if you can list them have now stop the car from turning over normally.
Before repair cars turned over perfectly even though it had those issues mechanic created another issue please list possible common reasons why this happened
Jun 26, 2026 at 7:22 PM
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STRAILER
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Yep, something could have dropped down into the cylinder while the spark plugs where out, or the wrong spark plugs were installed, I would remove the spark plug to see if you can turn the engine over by hand again, this video can help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN42gZN6gOE&t=1s&pp=0gcJCUELAYcqIYzv

Please upload a short video in your response of the problem, so I can see what's going on
Jun 26, 2026 at 10:27 PM
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JMASTRO13
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Yes when the mechanic tries to turn it over can hear the click but no starter turning over by the way the starter has no dead spots and no issues at all. He checked the upper intake manifold and there are no cracks. For valve cover gaskets need replacement running a car only at high RPMs is possible for moving the vehicle. Is it possible they overtacked the engine getting it from the street to the lift and did something internally?
Jun 27, 2026 at 3:49 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,502 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Yes, they could have damaged the engine, so does the engine rotate by hand now? Can you upload a short video of the problem so I can see/hear it?
Jun 27, 2026 at 3:26 PM
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