I think I found an issue in this car

So I was doing my girlfriends oil yesterday when I looked into the engine and saw what I believe is a hole. It didn't look factory, in fact it had jagged edges all around it.

Her car does shake pretty harsh when idling. This is my guess as to why.



It is a 1998 Ford escort. Probably the hardest oil change I've ever done. The oil filter is in such a tight and hard place to get to...anyway, can anyone give some insight on what we are looking at? I don't really know the internals of an engine.

 

Can't see in there well enough to tell, try getting some light in there right on the hole. As for the shaky idle, check the PCV hose right on top of the valve cover for a vacuum leak, common issue with those. Also; one of the motors, I think the 1.9, has an issue with valve seats loosening.

 

thanks for the suggestion, I'll check that when she gets home

 

Just looks like normal (for Ford) casting flash that was not ground off when the head was removed from the mold.