So... here is the grim update.
The motor was in, sounded fine, and I did a 20 mile test drive to reset the computer ready for its smog test.
I was still waiting for the "CAT" and "EVAP" tests to reset, so that the smog station would not fail it. I headed home and was cruising at 45mph, when the engine suddenly made a weird noise and died. I pulled over, and checked oil and then restarted it. The was a metallic knock at any more that 2000rpm.
Called for a tow.:frown2:
Back home, when it was cold, I went through some checks.
Rechecked my timing belt positions and they were good.
Valve clearances were fine.
Compression was good and within spec, considering its 162,000 miles.
1: 176psi
2: 175psi
3: 174psi
4: 170psi
Factory spec is 185 new with as low as 156 allowable, and no more than 7psi variance, so it was good.
Restarting the engine, it fires right up and at idle it sound nice at idle. Oil pressure was good, but the harsh knock at 2000rpm is clearly a rod bearing. My bet is on #4 as that would explain its slightly lower compression.
Draining the oil confirmed my suspicion, a slight metallic tint to the 20 mile old oil. No chunks tho.:laugh:
I set out to fix this engine, and did have concerns about what damage had been done by the 2 recent major overheating episodes, but figured that all I was risking was a pair of head gaskets, some oil and my energy.
At the moment I am planning to pull the motor out this week, and blow it apart, and see how bad it is.
So, this thread will continue as I investigate options.
Watch this space!