This procedure covers the replacement of a single valve spring on the 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 engine, requiring removal of the valve cover and camshafts to access the valve train components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve spring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — 22441-2E000
• Valve cover bolt grommets × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spark plug tube seals × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Kia Genuine 5W-20

Fluids

• Kia Genuine 5W-20 — 4.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to prevent burns and thermal expansion issues
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate from battery post
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retaining clips
4. Label and disconnect all electrical connectors from valve cover (ignition coils, PCV, etc.)
5. Remove ignition coils and spark plugs from all cylinders
6. Identify which cylinder and valve requires the spring replacement
7. Photograph engine timing marks and valve cover area for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover assembly
   Disconnect PCV hose and any breather hoses from valve cover. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve cover away from cylinder head. If stuck, gently tap with rubber mallet - do not pry between sealing surfaces.
   Torque spec

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

   Rotate engine to TDC and mark timing
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using 22mm socket on crankshaft pulley bolt until cylinder #1 is at TDC compression stroke (both cam lobes pointing away from valves). Use paint pen to mark timing chain position relative to camshaft sprockets on both intake and exhaust sides. Mark chain links that align with timing marks on sprockets.
   ⚠Accurate timing marks are critical. Take multiple reference photos with your phone before proceeding.
3. 3

   Remove camshaft caps and camshafts
   Loosen camshaft bearing cap bolts in multiple passes working from outside caps toward center in a crisscross pattern to prevent warping. Remove bearing caps and keep in order with bolts - they are not interchangeable. Carefully lift camshafts straight up and place on clean surface. Keep intake and exhaust camshafts identified and separate.
   ⚠Camshaft bearing caps are numbered and directional. Note orientation before removal.
   Torque spec

   Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove rocker arms and lash adjusters
   Remove rocker arms from the affected cylinder and adjacent cylinders as needed for access. Use magnetic pickup tool to remove hydraulic lash adjusters from their bores. Place all components in organized parts tray in exact order of removal. Keep lash adjusters upright to prevent oil drainage.
   ℹ️Lash adjusters must be kept upright and in order. Mixing positions will require bleeding procedure.
5. 5

   Compress and remove valve spring
   Position valve spring compressor tool over the affected valve spring. Ensure compressor is centered and seated properly on spring retainer. Slowly compress spring until keeper locks can be removed with magnetic pickup tool. Remove both keeper halves, then slowly release spring tension. Remove spring retainer, valve spring, and spring seat. Inspect valve stem seal - replace if removing this valve.
   ⚠️Valve spring is under extreme tension. Ensure compressor is properly seated before releasing tension.
   ⚠Do not allow valve to drop into cylinder. Stuff clean rag into cylinder through spark plug hole or hold valve with magnetic tool.
6. 6

   Install new valve spring
   Inspect valve stem for damage or scoring. Install spring seat onto valve guide. Position new valve spring over seat with closer-wound coils toward cylinder head. Place spring retainer on top of spring. Use valve spring compressor to compress new spring until keeper grooves on valve stem are fully exposed. Install both keeper halves into grooves ensuring they seat fully in the retainer. Slowly release compressor tension while observing keepers remain seated. Tap valve stem lightly with plastic tool to ensure keepers are fully locked.
   ⚠Verify keepers are fully seated in valve stem groove before releasing spring compressor.
7. 7

   Reinstall lash adjusters and rocker arms
   Wipe lash adjuster bores clean with lint-free cloth. Install each hydraulic lash adjuster into its original bore - do not mix positions. Install rocker arms in their original positions over valve stems and lash adjusters. Verify each rocker arm moves freely on its lash adjuster.
   ℹ️Each lash adjuster must return to its exact original position to maintain proper preload.
8. 8

   Reinstall camshafts with timing alignment
   Apply light coating of clean engine oil to camshaft journals and lobes. Position camshafts into cylinder head with timing marks visible and aligned to your paint marks. Verify timing chain is properly engaged on sprocket teeth and timing marks still align. Install bearing caps in correct positions and orientation (numbers face intake side, arrows point toward timing chain). Hand-start all cap bolts.
   ⚠Camshaft lobes must point away from rocker arms during cap installation to prevent valve contact with piston. Rotate engine if necessary before torquing.
   Torque spec

   Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque camshaft bearing caps
   Tighten camshaft bearing cap bolts in multiple passes from center caps working outward. First pass: 10 Nm, second pass: 20 Nm, final pass: 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) as specified. Ensure each cam lobe is pointing away from its rocker arm before final torque. After torquing, manually rotate engine two complete revolutions and verify timing marks realign correctly.
   ⚠If timing marks do not realign after two revolutions, stop immediately and recheck timing chain position.
   Torque spec

   Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Clean and prepare valve cover
    Remove all old gasket material from valve cover and cylinder head mating surfaces using plastic scraper. Clean surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free cloths. Install new valve cover gasket into groove in valve cover. Replace spark plug tube seals and valve cover bolt grommets.
    ℹ️Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces. Scratches will cause oil leaks.
11. 11

    Reinstall valve cover
    Position valve cover carefully onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket remains in place and all bolt holes align. Install all valve cover bolts with grommets finger-tight. Tighten valve cover bolts in sequence (center outward, alternating side to side) to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). Do not overtighten as this will distort cover and cause leaks.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install spark plugs and ignition coils
    Apply small amount of anti-seize compound to spark plug threads. Install spark plugs hand-tight, then torque to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft). Reinstall ignition coils and torque mounting bolts to 10 Nm (8 lb-ft). Reconnect all electrical connectors to ignition coils and valve cover sensors.
    Torque spec

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

    Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect PCV hoses and breather tubes to valve cover
2. Reinstall engine cover by pressing onto mounting points until clips engage
3. Reconnect negative battery cable
4. Refill engine oil to proper level - oil may have drained from valve train during service
5. Check for proper oil level on dipstick before starting engine

Verification

• Start engine and listen for abnormal valve train noise - properly installed spring should operate quietly
• Check for oil leaks around valve cover gasket perimeter while engine is running
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no leaks develop
• Road test vehicle and verify normal engine performance with no misfires or rough idle
• Recheck valve cover bolts for proper torque after engine has cooled (thermal cycling can affect gasket)
• Monitor oil level for first 100 miles - valve train work may affect oil consumption temporarily

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