97 Elantra Valve Repair Question

[lucidequilibrium]

I inherited a 1997 Elantra from my father at the beginning of last summer, and I'm proud to say that it now has more than 209000 miles on it. However, he never had the timing belt changed, and it recently broke, and I know because the engine is interference-type, the valves are probably smashed up or something. I do have a fair amount of mechanical inclination and experience, and I don't care to spend to money on a repair or on another car. Is there anyone here who has done valve work like this? I'm planning on buying a factory service manual if I go ahead with the repairs myself, and any information, hints, or tips would be greatly appreciated. And yes, I do understand the magnitude of a job like this. Thanks.

[grimmy]

Hey dude,

I had the EXACT same problem with my 1997 Accent 1.5L DOHC.

I went to the labor of checking my valves after pulling the head off, just to find everything ok.

Do yourself a favor, buy the manual anyway, get a new timing belt, take off the covers, and install it.

If the car wont run, and is seriously screwed up, then you already have half the stuff removed for when you have to install the timing belt later anyways!

TRUST ME - do yourself a favor, and take a chance that your valves did not impact. You might be pleasantly surprised - There is no loss of money or effort if damage did occur anyways!

Good luck! Let us know if the engine runs ok after you install the belt.

-Grimmy