Death of an Excursion

I've always used the old adage "You’re working on a piece of junk, can't do any damage" You need to do a tear down and find out the real root cause. Then you can fix on the original or check on the donor engine. I’ve done many a mechanic's rebuilds on junk yard engines going into vehicles. Typically I would change timing chain, water pump, freeze plugs, all gaskets, clean oil pump screen and possibly put in rod bearings. When your finished start the motor up on the stand and it should purr like a kitten with good oil pressure. Then the work begins. Install in the vehicle and replace every rubber product.
MM49