was doing the timing belt on my 97 EJ22E. Didn't even think to put a cam gear holder on and as I removed the belt the left can gear spun about 20 degrees. As anyone knows who's done these before the left bank is on compression in that position, so it forces the cam either way about 20 degrees. What worries me is that 97 is (arguably) the first year for interference motors. Does that amount of movement have the potential to bend valves?

 

After it moved the first time I put a socket with a breaker bar on the cam gear bolt and zip-tied the breaker bar to the AC compressor bracket to prevent further movement.

 

Engine is on a stand. Can spin it with a breaker bar on harmonic dampener bolt, but don't want to now in case there's damage.

Most likely NO.

 

I've had them spin many times, never had damage, as long as it was timed right before it was turned by the crank.

Also might be worth mentioning that I removed the spark plugs on the left bank before starting

Most likely NO.

 

I've had them spin many times, never had damage, as long as it was timed right before it was turned by the crank.

Ok, good. Everything's all lined up and back together now.

Thank you!

As long as the crank mark is lined up there is no chance for valve-to-piston contact.

When the cam snaps off of the timing mark, it is because valve spring pressure is pushing against the cam lobe causing it to rotate, and the valves are closing. No chance of bent valves when they're pushing themselves closed.

this:

As long as the crank mark is lined up there is no chance for valve-to-piston contact.