Originally posted by Blizare
Heavy oil is just going to cover up some lifter tick if there is any. Worst thing to do right now is drive it and throw a rod through the block or something shitty. I bet you if we all chipped in we could get you some bearings/used crank or whatever you need to get it going, but without taking the oilpan off and checking out the damage, you/we don't know what to tell you. Truth is just by looking in the crankcase you won't be able to see much. If I were you I'd get those pistons out so you can see the crank. Bearings are cheap and you could prolly get away with just replacing the m and using everything as is.

Thanks so much for getting back with me. The local guy came by my house last night, and he never heard 'tick' so quiet, so he believes I caught it early enough to just replace the bearings. I have them in hand already, and hope it works. I'll be sure and let you know how it goes, and I'll definitely try and get in there with him so that I can do it myself (or with little help) next time.

Thanks again everyone.