Hyundai Repair: Hyundai Elantra 2000, hyundai elantra, intereference

Question
I have a hyundai elantra 2000 and the timing belt broke and some mechanics say the valves are damaged automatically, because it has an intereference motor (2.0 liter motor/dual cam I believe). Other mechanics say that the valves are not damage, how do I know?  Lastly, my check engine light came on and I went to autozone and they gave me error codes how can I find out what they mean?

Answer
While it's very likely that the valves are bent, there's no guarantee that's the case.  One way to check would be to install the timing belt and see if the engine starts.  Another way would be to to a cylinder leakage test.  (Turn the camshaft so that the valves on a cylinder should be closed and then inject air into the cylinder through the spark plug hole.  If it leaks out through the intake or exhaust, your valves are damaged.  Repeat for all four cylinders.)  There are some other signs that are conclusive that you have valvetrain damage such as physical damage to the spark plug or an engine that cannot be turned, but absence of these signs doesn't guarantee there's no damage.

If you follow up with the trouble codes here, I can tell you what they mean.