I was thinking the same thing. I am also thinking that if the engine had the suspected bad bearing(s) when it was donated to the junkyard that there may be some glittery oil residing in the pan from that. I know when I looked at my oil pan when I spun the first engine that it looked pretty crazy and no matter how many oil changes I would have done I am sure the metal shavings would likely be visibly apparent and certainly apparent when analyzed by analytical chemistry techniques. That being said, I will definitely be consulting with them about it.

In fact, I work in a chemistry lab so maybe I can go ahead and do the analysis myself! haha

At this point almost anything seems easier than tearing the motor apart, ugh!

BTW, just bought some seafoam. I'm gonna go for the extremely unrealistic hail mary approach tonight and see if miracles really do exist! I bought it mostly for my other car. I figured I could do both at once.

I just read this old thread and went down memory lane. I remember when the junkyard engine was hanging from one of the trees that eventually fell on our house like it was yesterday. I remember how my girlfriend and I were dragging the engine across the backyard lawn (she is a keeper!) and all of the expert help everyone here provided (very grateful for all of you). I thought this thread deserved an update so here it is.

After installing the junkyard engine, the bearings were bad and failed after about 700 miles. Coincidentally, the TFR broke down right next to a SMOG shop. The mechanics saw her die and helped push it into their shop. They gave me a really great quote (~$2,000) for a new (used) engine replacement with about 90,000 miles. It took a while but they got it done and I have been zipping around without out problems ever since.

Two days ago I decided to buy another TRF (this one has a bad head gasket) and it will be towed (flat-bed) to my house today from Sacramento. I can't wait!!!

Thanks for the help everyone!