Did the timing belt actually snap or did it just strip a few teeth?
The timing belt can be inspected and adjusted without too much grief. This
should be done on a regular bassis in these engines. The Tensiion roller is
even spring loaded to help with this.

The usual damage is an intake valve.

The enigne can be set up and each cylinder leak down tested to check for
damage. Turning the camshaft or shafts with a wrench will also tell alot. Be
sure to set the pistons half down to clear the valves as you operate the
cams. It is possible for the impact at the valve to damge the cam, cam
journals, lifters etc.

While doing the cam belt, do the front engine seals and water pump.

Dennis

>From: Brendan Slevin <totorovan@GMAIL.COM>
>Reply-To: Brendan Slevin <totorovan@GMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: towing with a vanagon in an emergency. . .
>Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:17:35 -0700
>
>I just did.  I towed our RELIABLE car, a 1999 Honda CRV about two miles to
>our house after the timing belt snapped while my wife was driving.  Thank
>you *so* very much, Honda, for not jumping on any bandwagons and producing
>an *interference* engine; even though she was just barely driving when it
>happend I bet I've got a bent valve or 16.  F#@$!!!  Sorry to vent, I know
>its not friday.  Seriously, that is our "reliable" and I've had to do more
>sh^% to it I swear.  It's also our first car payment, lame when I have to
>write that check this month while its torn apart in the driveway.  My wife
>said when we got home, I think when the Honda's paid off we should sell it
>and buy a 91 Vanagon.  I agree whole-heartedly.  Anyway, Totoro was happy
>to
>oblige me and didn't complain once, I think she was actually happy with
>that
>yellow umbilicus dragging the "nice" car into the driveway.  I think towing
>with a strap is illegal in Oregon but we waited till about 8:30pm with less
>traffic, used our headlights and flashers on both cars and had radio
>communication the whole time.  A cop passed us but didn't care.
>How can I tell if I bent a valve without taking the head off?  Could I use
>a
>leak down test and if I can't get one to hold any pressure at all I know
>it's bent?
>
>brendan slevin
>84 GL Totoro
>Bend, Oregon