Repairs, mechanics, is it worth it? (2000 Ford Focus)

Howdy.

So recently, we had our Focus worked on, got a new timing belt & water pump, serpentine belt, brake pads, bearings, and rotors. Came to about $900 from a mechanic that we were recommended to. It had 117k miles on it when we took it in.

A month later at around 119k miles, we noticed a ticking coming from the engine, and checked the oil to see it was practically empty. Immediately dumped a few quarts we had in the car and drove it home. Before changing it, put some seafoam in it to clean it out, then put in new oil and a thickener. The sound got progressively worse, and as I was driving into our complex, I put it in neutral and rev'd it just up to just about 2K RPM and as it slowed, it actually knocked to a complete stop, and with a final bang the engine died. I coasted into our driveway, turned the ignition and it made a horrid squealing sound--I thought I threw a rod, and thus let it sit for about a month, debating whether to possibly get a new engine put in or try and scrap it.

Just now, after finally coming to terms that it should probably just be scrapped, I was getting quotes from a local pull-a-part yard and taking pictures to post on craigslist. But when I turned the ignition, the engine turned and ran with no knock. Slowly gave it gas and it sounded better than it had, like before we took it in. Drove it around the block and found the power steering was shot and the battery light was coming on, and the temp rose very quickly.

Called the original mechanic, and he said he couldn't be sure if it was something he did, but if I could get it up there (50 miles north) he could take a look and give me advice on whether to scrap it or fix it.

Did the mechanic do something to possibly cause this stuff, and is there anything I should know before going in to him again?

Thanks,
- Ben

That's really hard to say, without actually being in the shop while he was working on it. By doing the timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, brake pads, bearings and rotors it doesn't sound like he did, but who knows. Did he do anything to the engine in particular ?? Did he do anything with the oil like change the oil ?? You could've had an oil leak, causing the engine to be dangerously low on oil, also that's just speculation as well.

i would get a second opinion nearby. you say the p/s is shot why ?? did the belt come off?? the belt drives the p/s and alt.... is that why the batt light is on? you say the temp went high quickly did you ck the coolant level in the radiator?