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1) Is the B21 a non-interference engine?
Yes, you engine is just fine. The only North American Red-Block engine that's interference is the B234 (16-Valve) as equipped on the 89-91 740/940 GLE vehicles, but those are somewhat rare. Many of the European engines (like the B200) are interference, -and since the original Haynes books were written in the UK, they were citing facts for the UK publishing. However, the author(s) probably didn't know that the North American engines weren't interference.
2) How easy is it (ie. how many hours labour) is it for a mechanic to tell if I've bent valves / damaged the pistons, etc
I would assume that you're valves aren't damaged and your pistons are fine. (at least nothing changed/occured during the timing belt snap)
3) What else can expect to have possibly damaged?
Check that the timing belt tensioner rolls freely and without any resistance or grit in the bearing. Replace if in doubt. This would not have been damaged in the belt snap, but is not uncommon to be in need of replacement on cars of this age. Also, check for oil leakage around the cam/crank/intermediate shaft seals when you're changing the timing belt. Oil leakage here may not mean the seals are bad, but that you have a clogged crankcase ventalation system (PCV).
4) How many hours shop it take a mechanic to fix this if it's only the timing belt that needs to be replaced and there is no internal engine damage?
Personally, the fastest I've changed a timing belt on a 240 was in about 40 or 45 minutes and I'm not a professional mechanic. But, I'd also done it before and had no problems or complications along the way. If a shop is billing you more than 2 hours, I'd be suspicious. The hardest part of the operation on a B230 is getting the front crank pulley bolt free, but on your B21 it should be a piece of cake.
God bless,
Fitz Fitzgerald.
--
'87 Blue 240 Wagon, 253k miles.
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