Just got a non-functional '87 Civic for my son. Found the timing belt was broken. Looks like it broke during operation. My concern is: I've heard that blowing a timeing belt can damage the valves if it goes during operation on some engines. Does anyone know if an '87 civic is one of those engines that this could happen? If so, is there way to check for damage without pulliing the head?

 

Don't know if the Civic is one of those, but you could check compression on all cylinders to see if valves are seating ok.

 

Yeah, check the compression and replace the timing belt and see if it runs.

 

youll need to replace the timing belt to check the compression. if it were me, id pick up a used head off of ebay or something, and just put it on. but thats cause i hate redoing work.

 

Yeah, I put it in the wrong order. Replace the belt first b/c you'll be cranking the engine to test the compression.

 

Rotate the camshaft into a position to where the intake and exhaust valves are closed for any cylinder. Apply air pressure to that cylinder. Since there is no timing belt attached you may hear or see the crank move as that piston is pushed down as the air pressure increases. If your valves are bent they will not seat and you will hear an air leak either through the exhaust or the intake manifold. If you are not a seasoned mechanic this might not be an easy task for you and you may want to do what sacicons has recommended. That is a sure fix and more then likely will be the case anyway.