Complete replacement of the timing chain, guides, tensioners, and related components on the 1.8L I4 engine to restore proper valve timing and eliminate timing system noise or wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain kit (includes chain, guides, tensioner) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft front oil seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant (gray) × 1 — High-temp rated
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Kia Genuine 5W-20 Engine Oil — 4.5 qt
• Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold and vehicle is on level ground with parking brake engaged
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate terminal
3. Remove engine cover (pull up firmly on front edge)
4. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
5. Drain coolant from radiator drain plug into appropriate container
6. Remove air intake assembly from throttle body to air filter box
7. Label and photograph all electrical connectors and hose routing before disconnection
8. Support engine weight using an engine support fixture or floor jack with wood block under oil pan

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove accessory drive belt and components
   Rotate belt tensioner clockwise using a 14mm wrench to release tension and remove accessory drive belt. Remove the alternator and power steering pump mounting bolts, then position components aside without disconnecting hoses or wiring (tie back with wire or bungee cords). If equipped with A/C, unbolt compressor and secure without disconnecting refrigerant lines.
2. 2

   Remove right engine mount and crankshaft pulley
   Remove the right-side engine mount bracket bolts (3 bolts to mount, 2-3 bolts to timing cover). Use a crankshaft holding tool or impact wrench to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt (turns counterclockwise). If using a holding tool, block the flywheel through the inspection cover. Remove the crankshaft pulley using a harmonic balancer puller - do not use a jaw-type puller directly on the pulley edge as this will damage it.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove valve cover
   Disconnect the PCV hose and breather hose from valve cover. Remove ignition coils (4x 10mm bolts) and spark plugs. Unbolt valve cover (11-12 bolts in sequence from outside to center) and carefully lift off. Remove old gasket and clean all mating surfaces thoroughly with a clean rag and appropriate solvent. Inspect valve cover for warping.
   Torque spec

   Valve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove timing cover
   Disconnect any remaining electrical connectors or hoses attached to timing cover area. Remove all timing cover bolts noting different lengths and sizes (approximately 15-18 bolts total: 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm sizes). Gently pry timing cover away from engine block using a plastic pry tool at designated pry points. Remove timing cover and old gasket. Clean all RTV residue from both timing cover and engine block mating surfaces using a plastic scraper - do not gouge aluminum surfaces.
   Torque spec

   Timing Cover Bolts13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Verify and mark timing positions
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise (viewed from front) until crankshaft timing mark aligns with the mark on the engine block (TDC for cylinder #1). Verify both camshaft sprocket timing marks align with marks on cylinder head or timing chain. Use white paint or marker to clearly mark all timing positions. Take clear photographs from multiple angles. The intake and exhaust camshaft lobes for cylinder #1 should be pointing upward and outward at approximately equal angles.
6. 6

   Remove timing chain tensioner and guides
   Remove timing chain tensioner by unbolting the mounting bolt. The tensioner may be spring-loaded - control removal carefully. Remove the tensioner arm bolt and remove arm. Remove timing chain guide bolts and guides (typically 2-3 guides depending on configuration). Keep all components organized and compare with new kit to ensure all parts are included.
   Torque spec

   Tensioner Bolt19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

   Guide Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove camshaft sprockets and timing chain
   Hold each camshaft stationary using a wrench on the hex section (typically between lobes 2 and 3). Remove intake camshaft sprocket bolt, then exhaust camshaft sprocket bolt. Remove both camshaft sprockets. If equipped with VVT cam phaser, remove cam phaser bolt while holding camshaft. Remove timing chain from crankshaft sprocket. Inspect crankshaft sprocket for wear - replace if teeth show signs of hooking or excessive wear.
   ⚠Do not allow camshafts to rotate once sprockets are removed. Mark camshaft positions with tape if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Sprocket Bolt80 Nm (59 lb-ft)

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Inspect and prepare components
   Inspect crankshaft keyway for damage. Check oil pump drive (if external) for wear. Inspect camshaft journals and lobes for scoring or wear. Clean all timing chain contact surfaces with solvent and compressed air. If replacing crankshaft sprocket, note installation orientation (mark or keyway position). Verify all new timing chain kit components match old parts exactly. Compare chain link count if visible.
9. 9

   Install new timing chain and sprockets
   Verify crankshaft is still at TDC position. Install timing chain around crankshaft sprocket with colored or marked link (if present) aligned with crankshaft mark. Route chain around idler sprocket if equipped, ensuring proper engagement. Install intake camshaft sprocket with timing mark aligned, ensuring chain colored link aligns with sprocket mark. Install exhaust camshaft sprocket with timing mark aligned and chain properly engaged. Hand-start all camshaft sprocket bolts. If equipped with VVT, apply medium-strength threadlocker to cam phaser bolt threads.
10. 10

    Torque camshaft sprockets and install guides
    Hold intake camshaft with wrench on hex section and torque camshaft sprocket bolt to specification. Repeat for exhaust camshaft. If equipped with cam phaser, hold camshaft and torque phaser bolt to specification. Install new timing chain guides and torque guide bolts to specification. Install timing chain tensioner arm but do not install tensioner yet. Verify all timing marks still align correctly before proceeding.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Sprocket Bolt80 Nm (59 lb-ft)

    Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)

    Guide Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install timing chain tensioner
    Compress new timing chain tensioner using a small C-clamp or vise until tensioner pin holes align. Insert retention pin or clip (usually 3mm Allen key or supplied pin) to hold tensioner compressed. Install compressed tensioner and torque mounting bolt to specification. Once secured, carefully remove retention pin to allow tensioner to apply pressure to timing chain. Verify tensioner extends smoothly and chain has proper tension.
    Torque spec

    Tensioner Bolt19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Verify timing and rotate engine
    Triple-check all timing marks are correctly aligned. Slowly rotate crankshaft clockwise by hand two complete revolutions using a socket on the crankshaft bolt. Verify timing marks realign perfectly at TDC. Check for any binding or resistance - chain should rotate smoothly. If marks do not realign or any resistance is felt, stop immediately and recheck installation. Verify tensioner has maintained proper pressure throughout rotation.
    ⚠️If timing marks do not realign after two rotations, DO NOT start engine. Disassemble and verify correct installation.
13. 13

    Install new crankshaft seal and timing cover
    Drive out old crankshaft front seal using seal puller or carefully pry out. Install new crankshaft seal using seal driver or large socket, ensuring it seats evenly and flush. Apply thin continuous bead of RTV silicone (gray) to timing cover mating surface following manufacturer pattern (typically 2-3mm bead). Pay special attention to corners and oil passage areas. Install timing cover within 5 minutes of RTV application. Hand-start all timing cover bolts, noting correct positions for different bolt sizes.
14. 14

    Torque timing cover bolts in sequence
    Torque timing cover bolts in proper sequence (typically starting from center and working outward in a criss-cross pattern). Torque 6mm bolts to specification, 8mm bolts to specification, and 10mm bolts to specification. Follow tightening sequence if marked on timing cover or refer to service manual sequence. Do not overtighten smaller bolts as this can strip aluminum threads.
    Torque spec

    Timing Cover Bolts13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall crankshaft pulley and accessories
    Clean crankshaft snout and pulley bore thoroughly. Install crankshaft pulley ensuring proper alignment with keyway. Install crankshaft pulley bolt and torque to specification using impact wrench or holding tool. Reinstall right engine mount bracket and torque bolts. Reinstall alternator, power steering pump, and A/C compressor (if equipped) to their mounting positions. Reinstall accessory drive belt by rotating tensioner and routing belt properly.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Install valve cover and complete assembly
    Install new valve cover gasket in valve cover groove, ensuring it seats properly in all corners. Apply small dab of RTV at front corners where timing cover meets cylinder head (common leak point). Position valve cover and hand-start all bolts. Torque valve cover bolts in sequence from center outward to specification - do not overtighten as this will crush gasket and cause leaks. Reinstall spark plugs and ignition coils. Reconnect PCV and breather hoses. Reinstall air intake assembly and engine cover.
    Torque spec

    Valve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable
2. Refill engine with 4.5 quarts of Kia Genuine 5W-20 engine oil and install new oil filter
3. Refill cooling system with Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) to proper level
4. Double-check all electrical connections, hoses, and fasteners are properly secured
5. Remove engine support fixture or jack

Verification

• Start engine and verify it starts smoothly without abnormal noises or hesitation
• Allow engine to idle and listen carefully for any timing chain noise, rattling, or irregular operation
• Check for oil leaks around timing cover, valve cover, and crankshaft seal while engine runs
• Verify check engine light does not illuminate - scan for codes if light appears
• Monitor engine temperature to ensure coolant system is functioning properly
• After engine reaches operating temperature, recheck oil level and top off if necessary
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth acceleration, no misfires, and proper engine performance
• After 50-100 miles, recheck timing cover and valve cover areas for any oil seepage
• Consider rechecking valve cover bolt torque after first heat cycle (engine cool)

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