Going over a motor I bought a while back with unclear provenance, (I don't remember what the guy told me about it in other words, probably lies anyway - "it ran good when I took it out") seems to have decent compression, but the bottom part of the dip stick is broken off, so was looking for it today with no results, but taking the cover off showed a overly enthusiastic use of gasket sealer as shown.
I have read the posts about taking it all apart and cleaning all the passages, but I hope I do not have to crack it open as I want to stick it in a frame I have ready and try to start it to see what I have got.
Are there any less invasive methods of checking for clogs from this excess sealer? Would it help to dismantle the oil pump, I think not, maybe loosen the banjo nuts a bit to see if oil is getting to the head at first start?
FWIW, engine is 3U6-00071x, has no points or advance mechanism so it is an '80 and going into an early '80 (built 12/79) that is pretty complete, except for a motor.