Getting a 318 running?

Good photos are helpful. Thanks.

Everything looks good to me for a "used" engine. Is it me, or does anyone else see a reddish hue in several of the short block interior photos? Someone may have run some ATF through the engine. It is highly detergent and can be useful in cleaning out the inside of the engine without taking it apart. As long as it isn't left in there for an extended period or the engine isn't hammered with a lot of ATF in it, no harm done.

The oil pump screen looked good. Should be no problem with FOD in the engine. Sometimes there will be parts of gaskets and timing gear teeth imbedded in the screen. Didn't see what was in the pan. It may also be symptomatic of a weak oil pump having little suction.

Chain looks good. It's a double row, so the engine has at some time in the past been rebuilt.

Wouldn't worry about the creepy crawlys in the motor. Most of us have a story or two about a critter or object showing up in a place in the car you wouldn't expect, wasps in brake rotors, rats in dash boards, snakes in floorboards and spare tire wells.

Have fun.