Hi Guys,

My kid ran the engine I had installed (rebuilt at an owwiee of $4,500) in his Volvo dry for oil. I know it's shot but I'm hoping the damage might be less than an engine that was run without a synthetic treatment because I always use the slippery stuff. My Hyundai Excel ran to 400,000 miles on the stuff.

So, I'm getting ready to take this engine and break open the case and see what it's going to take to make it work again. I'm getting my son to help out with it so he can see what it's all about. I've done a Volkswagen 2300CC engine before when I put myself thru college and that's easier with four bolts and it's on the ground. That was a long time ago, too, so this is going to be fresh.

Anyone have any pointers they feel is important before I take this on? I'm good at engineering and I keep my Porsche running so if I don't know it, I'll learn it. Up front I need a gasket set, but what else should I have on hand that I have to have that I should use regardless of what I am going to do inside the engine? Also, if there is a tip or a trick that someone wants to share once I get to the meat, I'll take that as well. If anyone wonders why I'm doing this, it's because his dad died and I divorced my loser husband and I don't want to bring any new guy to my home or my son right now and any money goes to his college fund so I'm on my own here and I'm going to do it and not ask anyone's permission either. Thanks in advance.

Charlane