I bought a 2008 Civic Si with 150k, not running, after sitting 3 years under a tarp. The story from the owner that the timing chain had broken. Said he was driving on the highway and the engine shut off and wouldn't start.

Today, I took off the valve cover. From what I can see, the chain is under tension and looks pristine. Can I conclude that the chain is OK? What would you look for? Maybe verify the timing marks (green lines) line up? What can I do to check without pulling the engine?

When I bought it, the plastic part that goes between the hood and windshield was in the back seat. The sheet metal tab over the valve cover was bent by someone else. I assumed that a tech had gotten in there. The guy had an offer from the Honda stealership for $2,500 so he may have taken it there to be assessed.

The valve cover is pretty dirty. Stuff near by isn't too bad. Is that a bad valve-cover gasket?