has the often bad #4 cylinder valve insert problem. is it usually the 1997 sohc (4 door ,sedan) ?

It has happened to 1.9L, too. On either model it has happened after the engine has overheated as in driven with no coolant for an extended amount of time. I have 170k on my 97. Hasn't happened yet. If it does I am going to put in a long block and try for another 170k.

Major engine damage should be expected with any car driven without coolant and run hot. To complicate the deal = my 1998 "lx" temp gage reading only fluctuates from about 35% normal operating temp, to about 40% hot when the fan kicks in. It would be easy for the average driver to overlook a hot engine and burn the engine. Remedy = yearly drain and replace coolant ,make sure belts and hoses look ok. and your cross fingers about the thermostat. If you live in a hot summer climate consider installing a fan "start switch" to use in drive-thru windows ,etc. In a hurricane evacuation i was in traffic 12 hours to go 90 miles.