how to check for bent valves (lazy man style)

[hipo1024]

I think the title has nailed it on the head really. I know the obvious way is to take the head off and have a look, but that's not a 2 second job so how else can I check for bent valves? I've read somewhere that you can remove the cams and see if all the valves sit at the same height? (does this work effectively?)

Or possibly even more obviously do a compression test on it, but here lies my problem. The timing chain on this engine likes to jump a tooth or 4 on the exhaust cam of this engine so I don't really want to start turning the engine over on the starter incase I end up bending valves lol. Unless a compression test would give a reliable result by turning the engine over by hand (or rather on a ratchet)??? I don't want to spend a load of money on a new timing chain kit and time fitting it if it has belt valves because in that case the car's not worth saving so be a waste of money

Cheers

[vauxsqueeks]

Hi Dan,
Just do a compression test.. that will tell you instantly. Grab a meter and tighten it in then turn the engine over 3-4 times. If the gauge stays on 0 then you have no compression - bent valves.

You would not really see bent valves just by looking at the cams unless they are absolutely destroyed.

Think your method is way harder than mine

[Gazeddy]

simplest way is put a bit of fuel in the ports if it holds there valves sealing if it drains into the bores bent valves

buy a borescope and lift out injector/sparkplug and look inside

[yaki]

Pity your not closer, I have access to a borescope

[hipo1024]

I did a compression test turning the engine over by ratchet and made about 3 bar on each, and it felt like it had a fair amount of compression too so I'm going to fit a new timing chain kit to it Sunday and see what happens.