what are the signs

im prettyknowlegble in the automotive sec but what are the signs of a badd motor besides a knocking sound im jsut curious maybe soemthing u can feel or hear

Burning oil. I think i read somewhere you get rough idle, but i could be wrong.

check your compression.
oil level and color.
coolant color.
exhaust smell.
check for blowby out of the dipstick and valve cover(while it's running)

and most importantly, what's the mileage?

well i do burn oil prety bad like 2 qts a week and igot 180,000 i need a compression check i havent done that also what do u mean check on the dipstick for blowby

u needs some new seals unless yer just poundin the pedal outta er all the time 2 quarts a week is alotta oil to be throwin away deffinatly new valve seals make ure theres none gettin in yer antifreeze too and check for leaks