Is there a way i can tell for sure that i have a burnt valve?

The reason i ask is because i broke one of the bolts that holds the catalytic converter to the front of the exhaust. I drove it like that for about 2 weeks, because the bolt was broke off in the threaded bolt hole, and i didn't really have a way to fix it. Anyways, its fixed now, but it misses really bad when you go down the road. I've always heard if you drive one with an exhaust leak like that that you will burn up a valve. Figures that since i knew that that i wouldn't drive my car with the leak, but didn't have much of an option. Any help would be greatly appreciated. This is on a 90 rs camaro with 3.1 v6.

 

I don't think that exhaust leak is close enough to the engine to bend a valve. You most likely have a different issue. You can do a cylinder leak down test to check for valve problems.

I'd start with basic troubleshooting and tune up stuff.

 

Thanks for the information. It just started after the exhaust leak is why i was thinking that it would be the cause of it. I just recently done a basic tune up. wires,plugs,dis cap, new vac hoses, etc. I will check back and make sure i didn't forget something.

 

Pull the plugs and check them and look at your O2 sensor.