Offroad-Express

hi guys new to 4x4 and this forum.
i've recently come into possession of a 2door 1.6 escudo with the g16b (as far as i can tell) for a price i couldn't say no to.
the bodys mint the only problem is the knock the engine has, as far as i can tell it seems to be coming from the bottom end, id rather fix it if i can or replace the engine if its not worth fixing.
is this a common problem with these engines? had a look around the forum and google but with out stickies on this forum its hard to find the important/good stuff
id like to keep it and take up 4x4ing as a weekend hobby as my track cars getting stupidly expensive and its time for a change.
Thanks

The only common problem that I can think of is the crank pulley bolt comes loose and allows the timing belt gear on the crank to move and slog out the key way, mine did this but there wasn't a noise just shit timing. Wouldn't hurt to check it.

hi thanks for the reply.
cambelt and clutch were replaced by previous owner and the noise was there before both were done.apparently the noise has been there for atleast 10,000kms as far as i know a big end would have long let go by then, the 3s' im used to would normaly completly grenade themselves within a few kms of the knock starting
but ill add that to the list of things to check and have a look tomorrow.

pulled the vavle cover to check valves and everything in there couldn't find anything wrong in there so i pulled the sump off couldn't see anything wrong with the bearings or rods ,but then im not an engine builder so its off to someone more qualified to check it out and maybe rebuild it if its worth the cost.