I'd pull off the valve cover and see if the timing belt is around the cam
gears. Turning over the engine could cause more damage by bending the
valves. If the timing belt is broken, then the valve are stuck in different
positions, turning over the engine moves the pistons up & down, if the valve
is open it will bend when the piston hits it. That's why they are called
interference motors.
The only way to tell, without replacing the timing belt, if the valves are
bent would be to let the cams go so all the valves are in a closed position,
and then compression check the cylinders... a bent valve will not close and
seat itself. Apart from that pull off the head all together and have it
checked.



"Randi" <mailray@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:627t5197d0spqsts9l6ne0kd1fqhr93mbg@4ax.com...
> Hello all.
>
> I have a 95 Prelude. When I started moving from a complete stop, my
> engine quit. I took the car to the dealer. They informed me that
> timing belt broke. Best case scenario is the timing belt is the only
> problem at $595.00 repair. Worst case scenario is engine damage and
> the repair would be $1,795.00. This is what concerns me. The dealer
> wants me to agree to replacing the belt so he can attempt to start the
> engine allowing him to determine if additional repairs are needed.
>
> I found this to be suspicious. I am assuming they would be able to
> determine if some damage has happened to the engine without me
> spending $595.00. According to the dealer, the starter engages and
> the engine turns without any unusual noise.
>
> The mechanic has offered me $500 for the car as it sits. He has an
> engine he could put in the vehicle.
>
> Anyone have any thoughts as to if I am getting ripped off?
>
> Thanks for the advice...