This procedure adjusts valve lash (clearance) on the 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 engine to restore proper valve train operation and prevent noise or performance issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover bolt grommets × 1 — Use OEM specification
• PCV valve grommet (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 3 hours after last operation)
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal
3. Remove engine cover if equipped
4. Remove air intake duct and air filter housing
5. Disconnect PCV hose and breather hoses from valve cover
6. Disconnect ignition coil connectors and remove ignition coils
7. Label and disconnect any wiring harnesses attached to valve cover

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover
   Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve cover off cylinder head. If stuck, gently tap with rubber mallet. Remove old gasket material from mating surfaces using plastic scraper.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Rotate engine to TDC cylinder 1
   Using 22mm socket on crankshaft bolt, rotate engine clockwise until timing marks on camshaft sprockets align with marks on timing chain cover. Cylinder 1 should be at top dead center (TDC) on compression stroke. Both cam lobes for cylinder 1 should point away from valve buckets.
   ⚠Only rotate engine in clockwise direction when viewing from front of vehicle.
3. 3

   Check valve clearance - cylinder 1 and 3
   With engine at TDC for cylinder 1, insert appropriate feeler gauge between camshaft lobe base circle and valve lifter for cylinder 1 intake and exhaust valves, then cylinder 3 intake and exhaust valves. Record measurements. Clearance should be: Intake 0.17-0.23mm, Exhaust 0.27-0.33mm. Feeler gauge should slide with slight drag when clearance is correct.
4. 4

   Rotate engine 360 degrees
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise exactly 360 degrees (one full rotation) until cylinder 4 is at TDC. Camshaft sprocket timing marks should again align with timing chain cover marks.
5. 5

   Check valve clearance - cylinder 2 and 4
   With engine at TDC for cylinder 4, check and record valve clearances for cylinder 2 intake and exhaust valves, then cylinder 4 intake and exhaust valves using feeler gauges. Use same specifications: Intake 0.17-0.23mm, Exhaust 0.27-0.33mm.
6. 6

   Adjust out-of-specification valves
   For each valve requiring adjustment, rotate engine so cam lobe points away from valve lifter. Loosen adjusting screw lock nut while holding adjusting screw with flathead screwdriver. Turn adjusting screw clockwise to decrease clearance or counterclockwise to increase clearance. Recheck clearance with feeler gauge and adjust as needed. Once correct, hold adjusting screw firmly and tighten lock nut to specification.
   ⚠Adjusting screw will turn when tightening lock nut. Hold screw firmly with screwdriver to prevent clearance change.
   Torque spec

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

   Verify all valve clearances
   After all adjustments are complete, rotate engine through two complete revolutions and recheck all valve clearances to confirm they remain within specification. Re-adjust if necessary.
8. 8

   Clean mating surfaces
   Thoroughly clean cylinder head and valve cover mating surfaces. Ensure no old gasket material, oil, or debris remains. Wipe surfaces clean with brake cleaner and lint-free shop rags.
9. 9

   Install new valve cover gasket
   Install new valve cover gasket into groove on valve cover. Ensure gasket seats properly around entire perimeter. Install new bolt grommets if removed or damaged.
10. 10

    Install valve cover
    Carefully position valve cover onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket remains seated. Install valve cover bolts finger-tight first, then tighten in proper sequence (inside to outside pattern) to specification using torque wrench.
    ⚠Over-tightening valve cover bolts can warp cover and cause oil leaks. Use torque wrench and follow tightening sequence.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall ignition coils and connect electrical connectors
2. Reconnect PCV hose and breather hoses to valve cover
3. Reinstall air filter housing and intake duct
4. Reinstall engine cover if equipped
5. Reconnect negative battery terminal

Verification

• Start engine and check for oil leaks around valve cover
• Listen for abnormal valve train noise - properly adjusted valves should operate quietly
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and recheck for leaks
• Test drive vehicle to verify normal engine performance and no misfires

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