Valve cover replacement on a 2017–2018 Hyundai Elantra sedan with the naturally aspirated 2.0L MPI engine can address a confirmed cracked cover or gasket leak causing external oil wetness, oily plug wells, a burning-oil smell or smoke near hot engine parts. Rough running may be accompanied by P0300 (random/multiple-cylinder misfire) or P0301–P0304 (cylinder-specific misfires). There is no dedicated valve-cover failure code, and these symptoms or codes do not prove the cover is faulty. Diagnose the leak and ignition system before replacing parts.
This guide covers the AD-generation 2.0L multipoint-injection sedan and its top-side cover access. MPI means fuel is injected into the intake ports. Do not extend this procedure or the featured part to the 1.4L Eco turbo, 1.6L Sport turbo, Elantra GT/GDI engine or another Hyundai simply because the model name looks similar. The seller also lists selected Kona and Forte applications, whose access arrangements require their own service information.
Intermediate DIY; careful cleaning and low-torque assembly
Allow 1.5–3 hours plus at least 30 minutes before startup
$70–$130 cover allowance and $20–$50 materials; planning figures, not live prices
Work on a completely cooled engine on level ground, with the parking brake set and wheels chocked. Save diagnostic information before disconnecting the negative battery cable. Keep the key away from the car and wear eye protection. Protect open engine and intake openings against dirt, cloth fibers and dropped fasteners. Do not unplug coils on a running engine. This cover procedure leaves fuel pipes closed and engine mounts installed. Stop driving for a flashing malfunction light, substantial oil loss, an oil-pressure warning or active engine-bay smoke.
Featured valve cover and what is included
The featured A-Premium engine valve cover with gasket is ASIN B08KSXGXP6, manufacturer part APEVC0073, replacing the listed reference 224102E700 / 22410-2E700. The selected item is one cover assembly and one valve-cover gasket for the stated 2.0L DOHC applications. The listing does not separately promise a new set of bolts, oil cap or PCV service parts; inspect the delivered assembly and retain serviceable matching original hardware until the job is complete.
Compare the original and replacement side by side. Check gasket channels, all fastening positions, spark-plug tube seals, breather/PCV connections, filler-cap opening and harness attachment points. A part number in an advertisement is a cross-reference, not permission to force a mismatched cover onto the engine. Obtain any missing or damaged application-specific pieces before disassembly.
View the 2.0L valve cover and gasket
Vehicle compatibility and exclusions
| Seller-listed vehicle | Model years | Required engine match | Scope and restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Elantra | 2017–2018 | 2.0L DOHC; MPI sedan application | The detailed walkthrough below. Excludes Eco/Sport turbo and GT/GDI assumptions. |
| Hyundai Kona | 2018–2019 | 2.0L DOHC, matching 22410-2E700-type cover | Not the 1.6L turbo; verify VIN and actual assembly. Access instructions below are for Elantra. |
| Kia Forte | 2017–2018 | 2.0L DOHC, matching MPI cover | Verify MPI versus GDI and original part number; not every 2.0L configuration is interchangeable. |
The manufacturer’s broader cover-family catalog now shows other model years and vehicles. This page retains the narrower applications stated for the exact Amazon item supplied here. Do not infer additional fitment from the broader catalog without a VIN-based check. Model year, engine, fuel-injection type and production configuration all matter.
Symptoms and diagnosis: oil leak or another problem?
- Fresh oil at the upper edge: inspect on a clean, cold engine. Check the filler cap and recent service spills before blaming the gasket. Trace the highest fresh wet point; oil from above can travel along seams.
- Oil in a spark-plug well: check the tube seal and coil boot. Remove pooled oil before opening the plug hole. A new cover will not restore cracked or carbon-tracked ignition insulation.
- Burning smell or wisps of smoke: determine whether oil is reaching a hot surface. Stop and correct a significant leak before driving. Exhaust smoke from oil consumption is a different diagnostic problem.
- Rough running: preserve the code and freeze-frame data. Ignition coils, spark plugs, injectors, air leaks and mechanical faults can cause misfire. Check for an actual sealing fault before buying a cover.
- A repeat leak: inspect the ventilation hose, PCV operation, sealing surfaces and fastener condition. More tightening can crack plastic or strip the head instead of fixing the cause.
For certain 2017 Elantra AD/ADA 2.0L vehicles, Hyundai bulletin 20-FL-001H addresses misfire codes with ECM software work and coil inspection. That is a separate diagnostic route, not evidence that a valve cover will cure the code. Have a qualified shop check the bulletin’s VIN/configuration applicability and current service information. A basic code reader cannot perform the manufacturer’s software update.
Tools, parts and supplies
| Tool or supply | Exact product | Product link | Purpose and selection check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metric sockets and ratchet | TEKTON SKT15301, 46-piece 3/8-inch set, metric 8–19 mm | View socket set | For matching cover, coil and airbox hardware; confirm each head size before turning. |
| Low-range torque wrench | LEXIVON LX-180, 1/4-inch, 1.1–16.9 N·m / 10–150 in-lb | View low-range torque wrench | Covers the cover, coil and air-cleaner ranges below, plus the low PCV setting if that valve is disturbed. |
| Drive adapter | TEKTON SHA04101, 1/4-inch female to 3/8-inch male | View straight drive adapter | Matches the small wrench and socket set without an offset torque extension. |
| Screwdriver — confirm profile first | Klein Tools 32500, 11-in-1 screwdriver/nut driver | View screwdriver | Phillips and slotted tips for matching clamp/trim screws. Its nut-driver sizes are SAE; do not force them onto a metric hex. |
| Spring-band hose-clamp pliers | Lisle 17100 | View clamp pliers | Release suitable hose clamps while supporting plastic nipples. |
| Specified junction sealant | ThreeBond 1217H, listing model 1217H / part 59-9125, one tube | View ThreeBond 1217H | Use at the indicated timing-cover/cam-carrier gaps. Do not substitute 1215, 1184 or a color-matched silicone without verified equivalence. |
| Plastic scraper | KUSUFEFI two-scraper kit with 60 plastic blades | View non-marring scraper kit | Remove light residue gently; protect openings and avoid abrasive discs. |
| Eye protection | DEWALT DPG82 Concealer safety goggles | View goggles | Wear during cleaning, clamp and connector work. |
| Wheel chocks | MaxxHaul 70472 solid-rubber pair, 8 × 4 × 6 inches | View wheel chock pair | Prevent rolling on clean, level, solid ground; use enough chocks for the setup. |
| OBD-II reader — diagnostic aid | ANCEL AD310, black | View code reader | Reads generic emissions codes and supported freeze-frame/live data. Not a Hyundai reprogramming tool or full-system scanner. |
| Replacement service pieces, if needed | VIN-matched PCV valve, cap, seals, hoses and damaged fasteners | Select by VIN and original component | Do not assume these extras are included with the featured cover. Keep the correct socket available if transferring a threaded PCV valve. |
| Cleanliness and surface protection | Clean low-lint cloths, a clean fender protector and suitable surface cleaner | Use appropriate workshop supplies | Protect paint and open passages; prevent fibers or cleaner entering the engine. |
A large wheel-torque wrench is unsuitable for the small cover bolts. The listed small wrench covers every specified tightening range in this walkthrough; select the actual target within the factory range and follow the tool’s instructions. No engine support bar, mount removal, injector removal or fuel-line disconnection is part of this Elantra MPI procedure.
DIY versus professional repair costs
| Expense | DIY planning estimate | Shop comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Cover assembly | $70–$130 | Aftermarket versus OE selection changes the price. |
| Sealant and ordinary materials | $20–$50 | Confirm whether extra seals/hoses are included in the quote. |
| Tools, if not owned | $75–$200+ | Usually included in labor overhead. |
| Labor | 1.5–3 hours, plus curing | Illustrative 1.5–3 hours at $120–$200/hour = $180–$600. |
| Estimated total | $90–$180 with tools owned; $165–$380+ with tools | $270–$780 before taxes, markup, diagnosis and additional repairs. |
These numbers are budgeting assumptions, not a current price offer, official labor time or local quote. A genuine cover can cost substantially more than the aftermarket allowance. Compare the same repair scope, including cleaning, new gasket, correct sealant and a leak check. Add diagnosis separately when the complaint is misfire without a confirmed leak.
Step-by-step: 2017–2018 Elantra sedan, 2.0L MPI
Use the factory cover-removal and tightening illustrations alongside these steps. The illustrated cover has 14 fastening positions. Match the actual engine and connections before beginning; a turbo/GDI layout or a visibly different cover requires the appropriate procedure.
1. Prepare and isolate
Let the engine cool fully, record any codes and clean loose dirt from the top of the engine. Protect the fenders with clean covers. Switch off the ignition, keep the key away and disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the decorative cover carefully. Photograph and label the electrical connectors, hose routing and small harness brackets so everything returns to its original position.
2. Clear the air cleaner and wiring
Release the wiring connectors and harness clips around the cover, holding connector bodies instead of wires. Remove the interfering connector brackets. Remove the front air duct, disconnect the breather hose and release the intake-hose clamp and air-cleaner mounting bolts. Lift the assembly clear and protect the open intake. See the air-cleaner service procedure. Keep the fuel system closed; disconnect only the components needed for cover access.
3. Remove coils, dipstick and PCV hose
Release each coil connector’s locking pin, then depress the clip and disconnect it. Remove the retaining bolts and lift the four coils without levering on brittle plastic. Keep them labeled and inspect their boots for oil damage. Remove the oil-level dipstick, keep it clean and protect its opening. Release the PCV hose clamp and disconnect the hose without twisting or breaking the cover fitting.
4. Lift the cover and inspect the replacement
Loosen the cover bolts gradually in the illustrated removal sequence. Check that every fastener is released before lifting. Do not wedge a metal screwdriver into the head’s sealing face. Remove the old gasket; it must not be reused. Compare the assemblies before proceeding and transfer the compatible oil cap if necessary. If the threaded PCV valve must be transferred, inspect its operation and threads and use the specified PCV installation range of 1.96–2.94 N·m; do not tighten it to the much higher coil-bolt setting.
5. Clean and prepare the seals
Remove old hardened sealant from the cover contact area and timing-cover/cam-carrier junctions without scratching the mating surfaces. Contain debris and keep it out of oil passages and plug wells. Seat the new gasket completely in its groove. Lightly apply clean engine oil to the cover oil-seal lip and the outside of the spark-plug pipes, as specified. The perimeter gasket and junction sealant areas should not be flooded with oil.
6. Apply the specified sealant and install promptly
Apply ThreeBond 1217H or a verified equivalent at the two indicated gaps between the timing-chain cover and cam carrier. The factory specifies a 2–3 mm (0.08–0.12 inch) bead and assembly within five minutes after application. Prepare the cover and tools first so you can meet that window. Do not apply a continuous bead around the whole molded gasket or cover drain passages with excess silicone.
7. Tighten in the factory sequence
Lower the cover squarely without rolling its gasket or seals. Start every bolt by hand, then follow the numbered 1–14 illustration in multiple passes. The first stage is 3.9–5.9 N·m (2.9–4.3 ft-lb); the second stage is 7.8–9.8 N·m (5.8–7.2 ft-lb). Repeat the full pattern at each stage. Do not work around the edge in a simple clockwise circuit, use an impact wrench or add extra torque to compensate for a suspected leak.
8. Reassemble and observe the waiting period
Refit the coils and tighten their bolts to 9.8–11.8 N·m. Lock the electrical connectors and restore the brackets, PCV/breather hoses and dipstick. Remove and count every protective cloth. Refit the air cleaner: its bolts are 3.9–5.9 N·m and the specified intake-hose clamp is 2.9–4.9 N·m. Confirm the duct is fully seated, with no trapped wiring. Reinstall the oil cap and decorative cover, check oil level and restore the battery connection. Do not run the engine or pressure-test it for at least 30 minutes after cover assembly; observe a longer wait if required by the selected approved sealant.
9. Check the repair
Start in a ventilated area and inspect from a safe distance for fresh leaks, rough running, smoke or abnormal sounds. Keep hands, hair and tools away from moving components. Shut down for active leakage, a flashing malfunction light or an oil-pressure warning. When operation is normal, take a short gentle drive and inspect again after cooling. Residual external oil can create an odor, but a new wet trail requires investigation; do not assume it is harmless residue.
Common mistakes
- Ordering by “2.0L” alone and overlooking MPI versus GDI or the sedan versus GT application.
- Treating P0300 or a cylinder misfire as proof the cover needs replacement.
- Breaking a connector lock by pulling the harness instead of releasing the pin and clip.
- Reusing the old gasket, allowing it to fall out of its groove or contaminating the sealant junction.
- Using too much RTV, missing the five-minute assembly window or starting before the minimum waiting period.
- Applying the coil torque to the PCV valve or confusing N·m, inch-pounds and foot-pounds.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a whole cover or just a gasket?
A confirmed perimeter leak with an undamaged cover may need only a gasket. Cracked plastic, distortion, damaged sealing features or a cover-specific ventilation fault can justify the assembly. Inspect rather than replacing it solely on mileage.
Is the gasket installed dry?
Seat the new gasket correctly and use sealant only at the specified junctions. The manual separately calls for a little clean engine oil on the cover seal lip and spark-plug pipe exteriors. That does not mean coating the entire gasket with oil or RTV.
Can I start immediately because the sealant is fast-setting?
No. Follow the vehicle procedure: no engine running or pressure testing within 30 minutes of assembly. A retailer’s general “fast-set” description does not override that instruction.
Does the featured cover solve oil consumption or every misfire?
No. Internal oil burning, piston/ring problems, coil defects and software-related misfire detection are different issues. A cover is appropriate for a diagnosed fault in the cover or its sealing system.
Sources and further reading
- Selected cover listing and package contents
- Manufacturer APEVC0073 catalog
- Hyundai dealer 22410-2E700 parts reference
- Elantra AD cylinder-head cover procedure
- Elantra AD air-cleaner procedure
- Elantra AD ignition-coil procedure
- Elantra AD PCV service information
- Hyundai bulletin 20-FL-001H: certain 2017 2.0L misfire applications
- ThreeBond sealant specifications