This procedure involves removing the cylinder head camshafts to replace worn valve stem seals, which prevents oil consumption and blue smoke from the exhaust.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve stem seal set (16 seals) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft caps/bearing cap gasket or sealant × 1 — Use OEM RTV sealant
• Timing chain cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Kia Genuine 5W-20 engine oil — 4.5 qt
• Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool and vehicle is on a level surface
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retaining clips
4. Drain coolant from radiator drain valve into suitable container
5. Remove air intake system from throttle body to air filter housing
6. Label and disconnect all electrical connectors from valve cover area including ignition coils and sensors
7. Take photos of timing chain alignment marks and valve timing for reference
8. Mark the orientation of all camshaft caps with permanent marker before removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover and ignition components
   Remove ignition coils from spark plug tubes and set aside. Remove all valve cover bolts in reverse sequence (from outside to center). Carefully lift valve cover off the cylinder head, tapping gently with rubber mallet if stuck. Remove spark plugs from all four cylinders and store in order.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

   Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Rotate engine to TDC cylinder #1
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using 22mm socket on crankshaft pulley bolt until cylinder #1 is at top dead center on compression stroke. Verify timing marks on camshaft sprockets align with marks on timing chain cover. Both intake and exhaust cam lobes for cylinder #1 should be pointing upward away from valves.
   ⚠Ensure you are at TDC compression stroke, not TDC exhaust stroke. Both valves for cylinder #1 must be fully closed.
3. 3

   Remove timing chain components access
   Remove timing chain cover upper section by removing cover bolts. Mark timing chain position on camshaft sprockets with paint pen for reassembly reference. Install camshaft locking tools or fabricate pins to lock camshafts in position. This prevents camshaft rotation when removing sprocket bolts.
   ⚠Do not allow timing chain to fall into timing cover. Use wire or zip ties to secure chain if removing sprockets.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove camshaft bearing caps and camshafts
   Loosen camshaft cap bolts gradually in reverse sequence (outward from center) multiple passes, no more than 1/4 turn per pass to prevent warping. Remove all camshaft bearing caps keeping them in exact order and orientation. Carefully lift intake and exhaust camshafts out of cylinder head. Inspect cam lobes and journals for wear or scoring.
   ⚠Camshaft caps are not interchangeable and must be reinstalled in exact original positions and orientations.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove rocker arms and lash adjusters
   Remove rocker arm shaft bolts if equipped, or individual rocker arm bolts. Lift out rocker arms and hydraulic lash adjusters, keeping them in exact cylinder order. Place components in numbered containers or on a marked cardboard template to ensure correct reinstallation. Inspect rocker arm contact surfaces for wear.
   Torque spec

   Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Pressurize cylinder #1 and compress valve springs
   Thread compressed air adapter into spark plug hole for cylinder #1. Apply 80-100 psi shop air to hold valves in closed position. Using valve spring compressor, compress valve spring on first valve until keepers are accessible. Use magnetic pickup tool to remove both valve keepers. Carefully release spring compressor and remove retainer and spring. Repeat for both intake and exhaust valves on cylinder #1.
   ⚠️Maintain air pressure at all times while valve keepers are removed. Loss of pressure will cause valve to drop into cylinder.
   ⚠Never allow valve keepers to fall into cylinder. Use magnetic tool and work carefully over a clean towel.
7. 7

   Remove old valve seals from cylinder #1
   Using valve seal removal pliers or carefully with needle nose pliers, grasp old valve seal and pull straight up off valve guide. Inspect valve stem for scoring or wear. Clean any carbon buildup from top of valve guide using carburetor cleaner and brass brush. Repeat for all valves in cylinder #1.
   ℹ️Old seals may be brittle and break apart during removal. Ensure all pieces are removed from valve guide.
8. 8

   Install new valve seals on cylinder #1
   Lightly oil new valve seal with clean engine oil. Place seal on valve seal installation tool or appropriate size deep socket. Carefully slide seal over valve stem and onto valve guide. Tap seal gently and evenly until it seats fully on valve guide. Seal should be fully seated against cylinder head surface. Install new seal on each valve for cylinder #1.
   ⚠Do not force seal installation or tap on one side only. Seal must go on straight and seat evenly to prevent oil leaks.
9. 9

   Reassemble valve train for cylinder #1
   Install valve spring and retainer over valve stem. Compress spring using valve spring compressor. Install valve keepers into valve stem groove, ensuring they seat properly in retainer. Carefully release compressor and verify keepers are fully seated. Tap valve stem lightly with plastic hammer to ensure keepers are locked. Remove air pressure. Repeat for all valves in cylinder #1.
   ⚠After releasing spring compressor, verify keepers are properly installed by attempting to lift retainer. It should not move.
10. 10

    Repeat seal replacement for remaining cylinders
    Rotate crankshaft to bring next cylinder to TDC on compression stroke. Install air pressure adapter and repeat steps 6-9 for cylinder #3, then cylinder #4, then cylinder #2 (firing order sequence). This ensures pistons are properly positioned to hold valves closed during spring removal.
    ℹ️Work on one cylinder at a time and verify valve keeper installation before proceeding to next cylinder.
11. 11

    Reinstall rocker arms and lash adjusters
    Install hydraulic lash adjusters in their original positions. Install rocker arms in exact original positions and orientations. Verify rocker arms move freely on lash adjusters. Install rocker arm shaft or individual rocker arm bolts and tighten to specification with cam lobes pointing away from rocker contact surfaces.
    Torque spec

    Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

    Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install camshafts and bearing caps
    Lubricate all camshaft journals and lobes with clean engine oil. Install intake and exhaust camshafts in correct positions, aligning timing marks. Install camshaft bearing caps in exact original positions following numbered sequence and orientation marks. Tighten camshaft cap bolts in sequence from center outward in multiple passes (3-4 passes) gradually until reaching final torque specification.
    ⚠Tighten cap bolts gradually and evenly. Uneven tightening will damage camshaft journals and bearing caps.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Verify timing and install timing components
    Verify camshaft timing marks still align with timing chain marks made during disassembly. Install timing chain cover upper section with new gasket. Tighten cover bolts to specification. Remove camshaft locking tools. Manually rotate engine two complete revolutions and verify timing marks realign correctly.
    ⚠If timing marks do not realign after two revolutions, timing is incorrect and must be corrected before proceeding.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall valve cover and ignition system
    Clean valve cover and cylinder head mating surfaces thoroughly. Install new valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals. Apply anti-seize compound to spark plug threads and install spark plugs, torquing to specification. Place valve cover on cylinder head and install bolts, tightening in sequence from center outward to specification. Install ignition coils and reconnect all electrical connectors.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Refill fluids and final checks
    Refill engine with correct amount of Kia Genuine 5W-20 engine oil (4.5 quarts). Refill coolant system with Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant. Reconnect negative battery cable. Start engine and check for oil leaks around valve cover and timing cover. Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no coolant leaks. Monitor for unusual valve train noise.
    ℹ️Some valve train noise may be present initially until hydraulic lash adjusters pump up with oil pressure. Noise should disappear within 30 seconds of running.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by pressing down on retaining clips until they snap into place
2. Reinstall air intake system and ensure all clamps are tight
3. Perform final inspection of all electrical connections and ensure nothing was left disconnected
4. Check engine oil level on dipstick after engine has run and add if necessary

Verification

• Start engine and listen for proper valve train operation with no excessive noise or ticking
• Check for oil leaks around valve cover gasket and timing chain cover
• Monitor oil consumption over next 500 miles - consumption should be significantly reduced
• Check for blue smoke from exhaust on startup and acceleration - smoke should be eliminated or greatly reduced
• Verify no coolant leaks and cooling system maintains proper temperature
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes - no camshaft position or timing codes should be present

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