2001 Chrysler Concorde Bearings

This car is new to me. It has a 2.7L engine. A botched attempt by previous owner to replace an oil pan gasket has resulted in problems, oil spewing out when engine is running and now a knock. Since the knock first appeared, the car has not been driven more than 5 cautious miles.

A mechanic "friend" volunteered to help and proberly repaired the gasket issue. Then he and installed new crankshaft bearings. In doing so he found one connecting rod damaged at the point connecting to the crankshaft and the new bearing, but he proceeded anyway and when started, the engine knocked. He shut it off, coming back later to move the car and now reports that the engine is locked up and will not start. That was three weeks ago. Since then I had it towed to my back yard where it is resting in peace.

I bought this car for $600. Taking the risk that repairing the oil pan gasket properly might result in a really nice town car for me. It is very clean and luxurious with all the power stuff I enjoy, working.

The cylinder with the damaged connection rod and piston is under a head that can be removed without extracting the entire engine to install a new rod.

BUT... Every mechanic I have spoken to does not want to make a repair. One fella outright refused to work on it. They all suggest a used engine at a cost of about $4,000. Installed. My intuition tells me the engine can be fixed, but thay are lazy and want easy money. Their sell is too hard!

It there a way to know what else there may be that needs correction before sewing this guy up?