engine
Valve Cover Gasket - Single
for 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
9
Steps
13
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
Replace the valve cover gasket on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 engine to eliminate oil leaks from the top of the engine.
Warnings
⚠Allow engine to cool completely before starting this procedure to avoid burns from hot components.
ℹ️This engine uses a specific valve cover bolt tightening sequence that must be followed to prevent gasket distortion and oil leaks.
⚠Do not over-torque valve cover bolts as this can damage the aluminum head or crush the gasket.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
12mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Brake cleaner or degreaserEssential
Clean ragsEssential
Gasket scraper (plastic preferred)Essential
Extension setEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
- Anti-seize compound × 1 — Copper or nickel-based
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Remove the engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on the cover clips.
- Take a photo of ignition coil and hose routing for reference during reassembly.
Procedure
- 1Disconnect ignition coilsDisconnect the electrical connectors from all four ignition coils by pressing the release tab and pulling straight up. Remove the ignition coil mounting bolts and pull each coil straight out of the spark plug tube. Keep coils organized in the correct cylinder order.
- 2Remove spark plugsUsing a spark plug socket with extension, remove all four spark plugs. Inspect plugs for condition and set aside. Removing the spark plugs prevents compression resistance when cleaning and allows debris to fall into cylinders to be blown out later.
- 3Disconnect breather hoses and wiringDisconnect the PCV hose and breather hose from the valve cover. Unclip any wiring harnesses or cable ties attached to the valve cover. Move all hoses and wiring aside to provide clear access to the valve cover bolts.ℹ️Some hose connections may be tight due to age. Gently twist while pulling to avoid tearing rubber hoses.
- 4Remove valve cover boltsRemove all valve cover bolts in reverse of the tightening sequence (start from outside, work toward center). There are typically 11-12 bolts around the perimeter of the valve cover. Keep bolts organized as some may be different lengths.⚠Note bolt positions as some locations may use longer bolts than others.Torque specValve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 5Remove valve coverCarefully lift the valve cover straight up. If it resists, gently tap the cover with a rubber mallet or use a plastic pry tool at the designated pry points. Never pry between the gasket surfaces as this will damage the sealing surfaces on both the cover and cylinder head.⚠Do not pry against aluminum sealing surfaces. Use only designated pry points or tabs on the valve cover.
- 6Remove old spark plug tube sealsRemove the four spark plug tube seals from the valve cover. These are press-fit rubber seals. Use a small flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to carefully pry them out. Inspect the spark plug tubes in the cylinder head for any oil accumulation.Torque specSpark Plug Tube Seals12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 7Clean all sealing surfacesThoroughly clean the valve cover gasket surface and the cylinder head mating surface using a plastic gasket scraper. Remove all old gasket material and oil residue. Follow with brake cleaner and clean rags. The surfaces must be completely clean and dry for proper gasket sealing. Inspect for any nicks or damage.⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces. Use plastic scrapers only to avoid gouging the sealing surfaces.ℹ️Cover open valve train area with clean rags to prevent debris from falling into the engine.
- 8Install new spark plug tube sealsPress the new spark plug tube seals into the valve cover by hand until they are fully seated and flush with the valve cover. Ensure they are properly oriented and seated evenly around the entire circumference. A light coating of engine oil on the seals can aid installation.Torque specSpark Plug Tube Seals12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 9Install new valve cover gasketPlace the new valve cover gasket onto the valve cover (not the cylinder head). The gasket typically has molded-in alignment features or grooves that fit into the valve cover. Ensure the gasket is properly seated in all locations and spark plug tube seal areas align correctly.ℹ️Do not use any gasket sealer or RTV unless specifically required by the gasket manufacturer. Modern gaskets are designed to seal without additional sealant.
- 10Install valve coverCarefully position the valve cover with gasket onto the cylinder head. Ensure the gasket remains properly positioned and all spark plug tubes align correctly. Install all valve cover bolts hand-tight first, ensuring no cross-threading. Tighten bolts in the proper sequence (start from center, work outward in a spiral pattern) to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) using a torque wrench.⚠Follow the tightening sequence carefully. Start from center bolts and work outward in a cross-pattern to ensure even gasket compression.Torque specValve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 11Install spark plugsApply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the spark plug threads (avoid getting any on the electrode). Thread each spark plug by hand first to prevent cross-threading, then torque to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft) using a torque wrench and spark plug socket.⚠Always start spark plugs by hand. Cross-threading in aluminum heads can cause expensive damage.
- 12Reinstall ignition coilsInstall the ignition coils back into their original positions (refer to your reference photo). Ensure each coil is fully seated into the spark plug tube. Install and torque the ignition coil bolts to 8 Nm (6 lb-ft). Reconnect all ignition coil electrical connectors until they click into place.
- 13Reconnect hoses and wiringReconnect the PCV hose and breather hose to the valve cover. Reattach any wiring harness clips and cable ties. Ensure all connections are secure and hoses are properly routed without kinks or strain.
Reassembly
- Reconnect the negative battery cable.
- Reinstall the engine cover if equipped by pressing down on the mounting points until clips engage.
- Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and all hoses are properly connected.
Verification
- Start the engine and allow it to idle. Listen for any unusual valve train noise that might indicate a problem.
- Visually inspect the valve cover perimeter for any oil seepage while the engine is running.
- Allow the engine to reach operating temperature and recheck for leaks.
- After the first 100 miles of driving, perform a visual inspection of the valve cover gasket area to confirm no oil leaks have developed.