I got really lucky. The truck had a massive oil leak which I found strange for a low mile crate engine. I cleaned the block and went for a test drive. The bottom of the engine was coated (thinking rear main $$$$), then I noticed that the starter was coated with oil.
So, I pulled the valve covers hoping they were bad and indeed they were warped and had bad gaskets. Fixed that and washed the motor again.
Went on another test drive. Motor was again coated in oil, but the starter was coated. I pulled the inspection cover off the flex plate......dry as a bone.
Hmmmm.....I studied up on crate engines. Since they are designed to ft several years of vehicles they are set up for a dipstick on either side. Yep, the plug for the dipstick tube had fallen out or was never put in. So, I got a passenger side dipstick (because I could not get a plug in the hole). Now I have two dipsticks and no leaks!
