from the guts seen from below thru the hole in the block (made bigger with a sawzall in order to get the busted rod out) I believe you that the bottom end of the engine is damn near indestructable. shame it had to go this way, the top of the engine looked really nice (no oil drool out the breather tube or cap, and NOOO oil in the air cleaner.

I was wondering about the possibility of the rear bearing being starved of oil by the aftermarket oil cooler and suspect (read: 1/4" pipe nipples and hose clamps) connections. (for pics search for my thread: aftermarket oil cooler)

finally have gotten the new(ish, 270K) engine in. doesn't want to start. it's been sitting for a couple of years

charging battery, will try again tonite.

karl

PS: she hasn't asked me.