pulled engine....pulled out wallet....a true story!

[84LX89GT]

have any of you had this happen:
I decided that i wanted to re-seal my engine since it was leaking 1 quart of oil every 150 miles.

I told myself "well since i'm in there i'll just...". Long story short i ordered a trick flow intake manifold, windage tray, complete engine re-seal set (The good updated ford reseal stuff), timing chain/sprocket set and i had already bought tune-up stuff and as well i was going to put on my exhaust, smog idler bracket and subframe connectors.

Several days later after pulling the engine i tell myself "well, i guess i'll need to replace" heater core hoses (the clamps are the devil....i cut the hoses) and i decided to replace the thermostat, and i noticed that my clutch (most likely Ford original) was 99% worn out....almost to the rivets past most of the gripping surface. So i ordered a centerforce II pressure plate and clutch as well as a BBK adjustable clutch quadrant ("since i'm in there").

I get the engine on the stand today and pull everything off except for the heads, which i'm not going to pull. Lo and behold what do i see....the previous owner had "re-sealed" it before which is probably why the engine leaks. He used those Scotch-brite abrasive pads to remove the intake manifold gaskets, and also forgot to put in the PCV valve grommet on the intake manifold (oh yes, it was sucking in pure dirt from that 1 1/2" hole!). I found as i anticipated an excessive amount of play in the timing chain....no problem i had planned for that. Then as I pulled the #3 main bearing I felt my jaw clench as i stared in horror. The bearing was almost ALL COPPER. It had inconsistant streaks and deep marks in the bearing, which as i wasn't surprised indicated grit in the oil. So.....Now i "get to" replace the rod and main bearings seeing as they're both worn from the crap in the oil.
Moral of the story.......1. make sure you have ALOT more money than you anticipate you'll need when digging into your car
2. Even though a Ford Heavy Line technician owned a vehicle before you (the guy only does engine work) it doesn't mean that they're even somewhat competent by any means.
3. Getting off your duff and doing something can actually aid you from having to do things later.....the things that i caught was the worn out clutch, worn out timing chain, and worn out bearings. I was planning on this being a smooth operation taking only a week to do at home in my spare time to get ready to race it this next weekend, but it will take quite a bit longer than that unfortunately.

....that's the end of my rant,
Rick Haugseth