96hunkofshit

got her up and running fuel pump was priming and was getting fuel, turns out the neutral wire on the crank sensor connector was broken off , spliced new pigtail on and she was running until oiling issue and rod knock lol

I believe either my oil pump went out or the dent in my oil pan obstructed the pickup(going to replace both) but either way she was starved for a moment and now she's got a knock. Not the worst knock ive ever heard however I am anticipating my course of action since I've seen on here previously people have said rod knock immediately call for the replacing of the motor, Id prefer to keep the same motor since I was contemplating accessing the rotating assembly from underneath removing the diff, if I open her up and measure the crank journal clearances would I be alright not machining anything and just replacing all the bearings and anything else I don't like the sight of with the motor still mounted ?

1996 se w 5speed and vg33e I bought her as a project and she ran and started no problem pulled the trans out to replace the clutch and related parts also fixed a broken vacuum hose on the fuel pressure regulator and plugs while doing valve cover gaskets. there is a new crank position sensor in it but it’s not wanting to start however i did get it started with some carb cleaner and it ran for a solid 20 seconds or so (sounded fine) but as soon as i release the clutch at all it dies?