ok so i found out that on my 97 elantra the valve cover is plastic. the way i found this out was when put it back on i found out a couple days later oil was leaking out the cracks does anybody know where i can buy a metal/ alumanium valve cover?

none of those as far as i know.

You won't find any of those! Only plastic. Hyundai was using them in the first generation of Elantra (1992-1995). Unless they are defective or you bang them hard when you install it, plastic cover are strong enough.

I did not know this. A big wow from me are any other parts on /of the engine made of plastic that are usually made out of metal?

You won't find any of those! Only plastic. Hyundai was using them in the first generation of Elantra (1992-1995).
not just a 1st gen thing, there still used in the newest elantra even.

not just a 1st gen thing, there still used in the newest elantra even.


I know that! I meant to say that they were using it since 1992. Aluminium or steel cover are beginning to be kind of rare these days!

There is nothing wrong using a plastic valve cover...they are plenty strong enough, just don't bang them around when taken off and they should be good for the life of the engine. They are using plastics more, because it is cheaper (generally) and lighter too.

Danm,
I always just assumed it was a plastic like paint or covering of some sort. twas planning on polishing the valve cover like they do on the V6 tib's. that would have been a disaster. LOL

the tibs have metal ones?


thats a surprise to me.

Yeah, the valve covers on the Elantra have always been plastic. Thick, heavy duty plastic, but still plastic nonetheless. No one has started making us metal valve covers or anything, although it would be nice, especially since there are hundreds out there for dsms and hondas...

considering that your car is a decade old, I would just get a new plastic one and you'll be fine until the car self-destructs