Hyundai Tucson Cylinder Heads
Cylinder Heads to suit the Hyundai Tucson, cross-referenced against OEM specification and dispatched countrywide
What Are Hyundai Tucson Cylinder Heads?
The cylinder head sits on top of the engine block, housing the valves, camshafts and combustion chambers. On 1.6 CRDi, 1.6 T-GDi and 2.0 CRDi Hyundais the aluminium head is especially vulnerable to warping or cracking after overheats — an SA tow-strap incident or failed fan clutch is often the trigger.
Signs You Need New Cylinder Heads
How we match cylinder heads to your Tucson
The Tucson reached South Africa as JM, LM, TL and NX4, and that alone changes what fits.The LM Tucson and the ix35 are the same vehicle sold under two names in different markets, so ix35 stock is a legitimate source for LM-generation parts and vice versa.
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Find the generation code on your Tucson — it appears on the VIN plate and on the original registration paperwork.
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Confirm the engine family. The Tucson ran Beta II 2.0 (JM), Theta II 2.0 (LM), Gamma 1.6 T-GDi (TL), Nu 2.0 and R-line 2.0 CRDi (TL) in this market.
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Send both to us with the cylinder heads you are after , along with the engine code off the block or VIN plate, and whether the car is petrol or CRDi diesel. We match it before we quote, not after.
Sourcing note: the Tucsonruns in lockstep with the Kia Sportage — JM with KM, LM with SL, TL with QL, NX4 with NQ5 — which widens where we can look when local stock is thin.
In South Africa the Tucson is mostly the family SUV that does school runs during the week and gravel-road holiday mileage over December, a duty cycle that is hard on suspension and cooling components. That is the wear pattern we stock and source against.
Hyundai Tucson Cylinder Heads — Questions We Get Asked
Will cylinder heads from another Tucson fit mine?
Not automatically. The Tucson sold in South Africa as JM, LM, TL and NX4, and the LM Tucson and the ix35 are the same vehicle sold under two names in different markets, so ix35 stock is a legitimate source for LM-generation parts and vice versa. Send us the generation code off your VIN plate and we will confirm it either way before anything is dispatched.
Which engines did the South African Tucson come with?
SA-market cars ran Beta II 2.0 (JM), Theta II 2.0 (LM), Gamma 1.6 T-GDi (TL), Nu 2.0, R-line 2.0 CRDi (TL). The code stamped on the block is what we work from — the badge on the boot is not reliable on its own.
How much does a Hyundai cylinder head cost in South Africa?
Real SA pricing is wide — heads run R2,950 to R11,500 depending on engine and condition (new vs recon) and a Hyundai head gasket is around R945 through our supplier network. Send us your VIN and engine code for an exact quote.
What are the symptoms of a cracked cylinder head?
White smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss without visible leak, overheating, milky oil and bubbles in the expansion tank are the classic five. On 1.6 CRDi Hyundais, head cracks often follow an overheat. A combustion-gas test on the coolant confirms it.
How much does it cost to replace a Hyundai head gasket?
The gasket itself is affordable — a multi-fit Hyundai head gasket is around R945 through our supplier network. Labour is substantial, typically 8-12 hours including skimming the head and replacing bolts. Send your VIN for a full quote on parts and labour.
Can a cracked Hyundai cylinder head be repaired?
Sometimes — a small crack in a non-critical area can be stitched or welded by SA engineering specialists in our supplier network. Cracks between valve seats or into the water jacket usually mean replacement. We send heads out for pressure-test before quoting a repair.
Why is there white smoke from my Hyundai exhaust?
Almost always coolant entering the combustion chamber — head gasket, cracked head or cracked block. A sweet, sticky smell confirms it's coolant rather than water vapour. On cold SA mornings a short puff of white vapour is normal; persistent plume is not.
Other Engine Parts for the Hyundai Tucson
Not sure which cylinder heads fits your Tucson?
Send us your VIN or the engine code off the block and our Hyundai desk will cross-check the correct cylinder heads for your exact Tucson derivative.