Did I bend a valve?

[haseltonk]

With the timing belt off I was going to use the "starter" method to get the timing gear bolt off the crankshaft. Only problem is that I forgot to use a screwdriver to lock the flywheel, so when I hit the key I heard a loud "bang" noise. I don't know if it was from the wrench impacting the frame or pistons impacting the valves. When I took a look at the crankshaft it had obviously moved about 1/3 of a turn.

I aligned the timing marks put the timing belt back on, and started it up just to see if it would run...and it did. I only let it run for about 10 seconds since I knew it was low on oil, and it ran fine, but there seemed to be more engine noise than there normally would be. I know it's about 2 quarts low on oil, and the timing cover, was off as were all other belts & pulleys. I don't know if it was actually louder than normal, or if it's just my paranoid mind. I don't suppose that there's any tell-tale way to know without tearing it all down...is there. Would it still run even if they were bent? Should I just continue to drive it if it runs ok under load? This was in the process of replacing a front crankshaft seal...again...

I hope I didn't really blow it...!

[Crvett69]

metro 3 cyl engines are non interference if the belt breaks or you ruen engine over without belt on it will not bend a valve

[avfan]

I tossed a timing belt at 70 mph coming home from destin,Fl. this summer, had aspare belt with me lined up timing marks installed belt and came home no prob with engine

[geozukigti]

Agreed. it should be fine. Get the engine together, and run a compression check. that'll tell you if you bent a valve or not.