L67 Bottom end issues maybe possible replacement?

[Damyt88]

Car: 2001 Vx Calais V6 L67
Stock engine
320,000 kms

I have only owned for 3 months or so....


New:
CAS
Alternator
Radiator hoses
Battery terminals/Electrics
Spark plugs
Coil pack

Previous issues:

Small crack in exhaust manifold but was welded up (so mechanic said)
Power both electric and mechanical (Was fixed and running well, after last service *alternator*
Slow to turn over/fire (Was ok after last service)
Not holding battery power

I got it back from mechanic last Tuesday, the next morning I started it and there's was a ticking noise,

It went away the first time after warming up, 5-10 min. The ticking accelerated with rpm.

It then was fine for 2 days.

Come Sunday morning, ticking starts again this time lasts for a good 30 minutes, I had to drive home and lasted half journey. No real power issues noticeable when driving.

Called same mechanics Monday, tow truck to them.
He calls back yesterday and says bottom end bearing and its gone.

Now.
If it was bottom end bearing.
The noise wouldn't go away?
Yes/No?

Why would it be fine with only power issues when I took to mechanic previous week just had the power loss issues, to then get it back and next day ticking noise starts?
Suss?

Any mechanics please provide advice on my next steps

My thoughts

Second opinion
Third opinion
Try the oil change as suggested in other forums/threads

Thanks in advance

 

[Immortality]

Bottom end noise is more of a knock than a tick.

Ticking on cold start is more commonly a lifter issue.

However these engines can be hard on the bottom end if not serviced properly and spun big end bearings are not a unknown problem.

Drain the oil/inspect the oil filter for signs of bearing failure should be the first check.

Can't comment about the mechanic.

 

[Phillbert]

Can you get a second opinion from another Mech? Even a mobile guy if you can't drive it.
I have heard a few with Lifter and Cam Bearing issues before in these motors but not many with Big End.
Must of not have been looked after in it's life.

 

[Damyt88]

 

[Immortality]

I think that is a failed lifter.

Take off the rocker covers and see if there are any loose push rods? Turn the motor over by hand and see if all the valves open/close properly.

If it had a spun bearing etc there would a knocking sound.

Then there is the question why did the lifter fail? Debris? Oil pressure? These engines can spit out cam bearings leading to low oil pressure and subsequent engine damage.

I'd still pull off the oil filter and cut it open looking for anything that suggests something is failing/chewing itself up.

Ultimately the intake is going to have to come off the engine at a minimum.