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Hyundai Tiburon Engine Valve Covers

Hyundai Tiburon Engine valve covers

Engine valve covers for your Hyundai Tiburon start at $67.95, with 6 options in stock from SKP, Beck/Arnley, and Dorman. The valve cover seals the top of the cylinder head, keeping oil inside and contaminants out. When the gasket fails or the cover cracks, oil leaks onto hot engine surfaces, causing burning smells, low oil levels, and potential engine damage if ignored.

Signs your Hyundai Tiburon needs a new engine valve cover

  • Oil puddle or wet residue on top of or around the cylinder head, often streaking down the side of the engine block
  • Burning oil smell from the engine bay, especially after the engine reaches operating temperature — oil dripping onto exhaust manifolds or pipes
  • Low oil level warnings or unexplained oil consumption between changes with no visible underbody drips
  • Visible cracks, warping, or a brittle, hardened gasket on the existing valve cover
  • Rough idle or misfires on Hyundai Tiburon engines where oil has leaked into spark plug wells through worn perimeter or plug tube seals
  • Check engine light triggered by a lean condition or misfires caused by oil fouling the ignition system

Which engine valve cover should you buy for your Hyundai Tiburon?

The main decision is whether you need a complete cover assembly with an integrated gasket, or just a replacement cover to pair with a separately purchased gasket set. Material and build quality also matter — OE-grade covers seal more reliably and resist warping from heat cycles better than budget options.

OE Replacement (plastic/composite)
Best for
Restoring factory fit and finish on modern Hyundai Tiburon engines
What you get
Direct bolt-in fitment, pre-formed sealing surfaces, often includes grommets and PCV ports
OE Replacement (stamped steel or cast aluminum)
Best for
Older Hyundai Tiburon engines or performance applications needing durability
What you get
Greater heat resistance and rigidity, reusable if properly refaced, pairs with a standard gasket
Cover + Gasket Kit
Best for
Complete leak repair in one purchase, especially when the gasket is the primary failure point
What you get
New cover and matched gasket set, eliminates compatibility guesswork, reduces comeback risk
Breather/PCV-integrated cover
Best for
Hyundai Tiburon engines where the original cover includes an active PCV or oil separator function
What you get
Maintains proper crankcase ventilation, prevents pressure buildup that can blow other seals

Engine valve covers brands we stock for your Hyundai Tiburon

SKP
3 options · from $67.95
Beck/Arnley
1 option · from $121.95
Dorman
1 option · from $999.95
Autotecnica
1 option · from $140.95

Replacing the engine valve cover on a Hyundai Tiburon

Easy⏱ 1–2 hoursSocket set and ratchet (metric and/or standard depending on Hyundai Tiburon)Torque wrenchFlathead screwdriver or gasket scraperBrake cleaner or parts cleaner and clean ragsRTV silicone sealant (for corner seals, if specified by the replacement cover instructions)

Remove any ignition coils, hoses, brackets, or wiring harnesses routed across the top of the engine on your Hyundai Tiburon to gain clear access to the valve cover bolts. Unbolt the cover in a cross pattern, lift it free, and thoroughly clean both the cover seating surface and the cylinder head rail before installing the new gasket — any oil film or old gasket material will cause an immediate leak. Reinstall bolts in a cross pattern and tighten gradually to snug, firm contact without over-torquing, which can crack a plastic cover or distort the sealing surface.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace engine valve covers on a Hyundai Tiburon?
Parts alone start at $67.95 for a Hyundai Tiburon valve cover. Total DIY cost depends on whether you also need a new gasket set, spark plug tube seals, or PCV components. Professional labor typically adds one to two hours of shop time on top of parts, making it a repair many owners handle themselves.
Can I drive my Hyundai Tiburon with a leaking valve cover?
You can drive short distances, but it is not advisable. A leaking valve cover on a Hyundai Tiburon causes ongoing oil loss, and oil contacting hot exhaust components creates a fire risk. If oil reaches plug wells and causes misfires, you risk catalytic converter damage. Address the leak promptly to avoid compounding repairs.
Do I need to replace the gasket when I replace the valve cover on a Hyundai Tiburon?
Yes, in almost every case. Even if the old gasket looks intact after removal, the compression set and heat cycling make it unable to reseal reliably. Most quality replacement covers for the Hyundai Tiburon include a new gasket or are sold as a kit — if not, purchase a matched gasket set separately before starting the job.
How long does a valve cover gasket last on a Hyundai Tiburon?
On most engines, valve cover gaskets last somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, though heat, oil quality, and the gasket material all affect lifespan. Rubber gaskets on modern Hyundai Tiburon engines tend to outlast older cork or composite designs. Regular oil changes reduce the sludge and pressure that accelerate gasket degradation.
Will a bad valve cover gasket cause my Hyundai Tiburon to fail an emissions test?
It can. A leaking valve cover on a Hyundai Tiburon may allow oil to contaminate the PCV system or plug wells, triggering misfires and a check engine light — both of which cause an automatic emissions failure in most states. Even a minor oil leak visible during a visual inspection portion of testing can result in a rejection.
Are there Hyundai Tiburon-specific valve covers, or will a universal one work?
Valve covers are engine-specific, not universal. The cover for your Hyundai Tiburon is machined or molded to match the exact cylinder head bolt pattern, height, and PCV port locations for that engine family. Using the wrong cover will result in oil leaks or an inability to install it correctly. Always match by year, make, model, and engine size.

Shop engine valve covers by year for the Hyundai Tiburon

20082007200620052004200320012000199919981997

More parts for your Hyundai Tiburon

A/C Compressor ClutchOxygen SensorHazard Warning SwitchIgnition Lock CylinderEngine Crankshaft SealEngine Oil Cooler Mounting KitFuel Injector Seal KitStarter Solenoid

Engine valve covers for other Hyundai models

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