Wolf Dawg

Anyone,

My 99 ford escort engine locked up and I need some advice on whether to
trash the car or put a used engine in it?
Sounds like this problem has happened before. The car seemed like it
was misfiring..Replaced plugs and wires. This helped but the symptoms
came back after a week or so. Then I drove to the gas station approx.
10 miles, car was driving fine, no noises, vibrations or noticeable
changes to ride, acceleration, etc. After filling the tank the engine
started very rough and a very loud pinging noise (valves clattering?)
as the engine ran. I immediately shut the engine off. I started the
engine again and the pining was less severe and I drove the car to the
side of the building. The car was towed to a shop the next day and the
mechanic said the engine was seized up and it needed to be replaced. Is
this common? The only thing I can think of is that the oil pump failed
and the engine failed from lack of oil?

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks. Scott