This procedure adjusts valve lash clearances on the 2.5L I4 engine to maintain proper valve train operation and prevent premature wear or noise.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover bolt grommets/seals × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Hyundai Genuine 0W-20

Fluids

• Hyundai Genuine 0W-20 — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (below 35°C/95°F) for accurate valve clearance measurement
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retaining clips
4. Remove air intake duct and air filter housing for access
5. Label and disconnect any ignition coil connectors and vacuum lines attached to valve cover
6. Remove ignition coils from cylinder head and set aside safely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover
   Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (starting from outside, working inward). Carefully lift valve cover away from cylinder head. If stuck, gently tap with rubber mallet - do not pry between sealing surfaces.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Position crankshaft to TDC cylinder 1
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using 22mm socket on crankshaft pulley bolt until timing marks on camshaft sprockets align with cylinder head surface and No.1 piston is at top dead center compression stroke. Verify both intake and exhaust cam lobes for cylinder 1 point away from valves.
3. 3

   Measure valve clearance - Cylinder 1 and 2
   With cylinder 1 at TDC, measure valve lash on cylinder 1 intake and exhaust, and cylinder 2 intake valves. Insert feeler gauge between camshaft lobe base circle and rocker arm. Gauge should slide with slight drag. Record measurements for each valve. Intake spec: 0.17-0.23mm, Exhaust spec: 0.22-0.28mm.
   ℹ️Only measure valves when cam lobe is pointing away (on base circle). Measuring on lobe will give false readings.
4. 4

   Rotate crankshaft 360 degrees
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise exactly one full turn (360 degrees) to position cylinder 4 at TDC. Verify camshaft timing marks realign with cylinder head surface.
5. 5

   Measure valve clearance - Cylinder 3 and 4
   With cylinder 4 at TDC, measure valve lash on cylinder 3 exhaust, cylinder 4 intake and exhaust, and cylinder 2 exhaust valves. Use feeler gauge between cam base circle and rocker arm. Record all measurements.
6. 6

   Adjust out-of-spec valves
   For any valve outside specification, loosen the valve lash adjusting screw lock nut while holding adjusting screw with appropriate tool. Turn adjusting screw clockwise to decrease clearance or counterclockwise to increase clearance. Recheck clearance with feeler gauge. When correct, hold adjusting screw firmly and tighten lock nut to specification. Recheck clearance after tightening - lock nut torque may alter clearance slightly.
   ⚠Always hold adjusting screw while tightening lock nut to prevent screw from turning and changing adjustment.
   Torque spec

   Valve Lash Adjusting Screw Lock Nut20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Verify all adjustments
   After all adjustments are complete, rotate crankshaft two full revolutions and recheck all valve clearances to confirm adjustments are within specification and lock nuts are secure.
8. 8

   Clean sealing surfaces
   Thoroughly clean valve cover and cylinder head mating surfaces using plastic scraper. Remove all old gasket material and oil residue. Wipe clean with lint-free cloth. Inspect surfaces for damage or warping.
9. 9

   Install new valve cover gasket
   Install new valve cover gasket into valve cover groove. Ensure gasket seats properly in all corners and around bolt holes. Install new bolt grommets/seals onto valve cover bolts.
10. 10

    Install valve cover
    Position valve cover carefully onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket remains seated. Install all valve cover bolts finger-tight first. Tighten bolts to specification in proper sequence: start from center bolts and work outward in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even gasket compression.
    ⚠Over-tightening valve cover bolts can warp cover or damage gasket, causing oil leaks.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall ignition components
    Reinstall ignition coils into spark plug tubes and torque bolts to specification. Reconnect all ignition coil electrical connectors. Reinstall air filter housing and intake duct. Reconnect any vacuum lines removed during disassembly.
    Torque spec

    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and install engine cover
    Reconnect negative battery terminal. Install engine cover by pressing down on mounting points until clips engage. Ensure cover is fully seated.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify no tools or rags are left in engine compartment
3. Double-check all fasteners are tightened to proper specifications

Verification

• Start engine and verify no abnormal valve train noise or ticking sounds
• Check for oil leaks around valve cover perimeter while engine idles
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and recheck for leaks
• Test drive vehicle and confirm smooth engine operation across RPM range
• Recheck valve cover area for leaks after first 50 miles of operation

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