Can't seem to find a definitive answer on this one. Appears the Buick 215 is not an interference engine. And I've seen numerous post from folks worried that they've blown the valve train because the serpentine belt broke. Obviously that won't bend a valve!

My problem is as I'm working on the camshaft today, I take a break and go to check if my radio is locked. Long story. Next thing I know I can't get the damn key out. So as I'm fiddling, I bump the f#<king starter. The engine was at TDC. BUT the new timing chain was not on yet. As far as I can tell it made it one rev.

First thing tomorrow I'll be pulling the rocker assemblies to check for bent valves, but if anyone can save me the trouble and make my day by telling me that it's all good, I certainly would appreciate the sleep.

 

Yes its an interference engine. But if it was sitting for any length of time, the lifters most likely bled down to a non interference engine.

 

So the suspense was killing me. I went out to the garage and removed the rockers. I put a straight edge across the tops of the valves and they looked good. Thought was about to sign myself up for that head gasket job.

 

And that's why every job in the shop manual says:

"Step 1 - Disconnect battery."

 

People are really worried about breaking valves when their serpentine belt breaks?


This is another reason why cars should never be built with timing belts, it just confuses the lay-person. Chains for the win!


Good luck on re-timing your motor, I'd have to agree with the other poster, disconnect the battery in the future. It's much easier to find a different radio than retiming the motor!

 

I know, I know. Unfortunately, I had reconnected it to use the starter trick to get my crank pulley loosened. It was as I was thinking about that I was prompted to go see if my stereo was locked-out. It would be kinda hard to check that with the battery disconnected huh?

 

Solid point. Anyway, it's disconnected now.