Honda Repair: timing belt replacement, 89 honda accord, timing belt replacement

Question
A friend has an "89 Honda Accord. Apperantly she broke the timing belt. A local "backyard" mech has told her she will need to have the valves redone due to pistons hitting the valves while trying to start it. Is this guy telling the truth or just trying to scam my friend?

Answer
Its possible.  If there was valve damage it happened when the belt broke with the engine running.  I would try and have the belt replaced and see how the engine runs before I do anything else.  Its a gamble but it would be much cheaper if there is no damage.  If there is damage, all you are out is the labor time and with that car, I would replace the engine before I do any valve work.  As soon as you do valve work, it will smoke.