Ross Cranford wrote:
>
> 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.

I think what you may have meant to say is to perform a leak down test not a
compression test. A leak down test pressurizes the cylinder with air. If
any of the valves are bent, then air will leak into either the exhaust or
the intake manifold depending on which valve is bent.

Another way to check for bent valves is to check the valve clearances as you
do during a valve adjustment. Any bent valves will not seat all the way and
the clearances will be excessively large. If you're careful, this check can
be performed without putting a new timing belt on the car.

Lastly, to the original poster, I think it would be a mistake to sell the
car for $500. If they are pressuring you to do this, then I would find
another shop.

Eric





>
> "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...

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