I am getting a '64 Marauder back on the road that has sat most of the past 25 years. The engine was occasionally started and the coolant and oil was kept up. It has the base 390 2 barrel in it. It ran very good until the other morning when I started it and heard a metallic clang and then ticking and missing. I found a bent push rod and a little moisture in the oil. Not much. The oil was not chocolate colored. I removed the intake and replaced the bent pushrod. I was surprised at the different lengths available. I did use the correct length! I put in a new thermostat, replaced the intake gaskets, and replaced the short sections of hose on top of the intake. It started right up and I drove it about 3 miles. All was good. 3 days later I started it and "CLANG". Same noises. Back to the shop and the same pushrod was bent. This time lots of water in the oil.
So I must be getting water into the cylinder (I think). Not sure if a head gasket failed or the head cracked. I am pulling the intake again today and hope I put the gaskets on wrong or they didn't seal.
Any other thoughts from the experts?

Thanks

Mike

 

The intake gaskets looked OK and no cracks on the intake or upper side of the heads. But water leaking into the cylinder must have caused the push rod to bend. In the morning I will very carefully replace the intake and put fresh oil and coolant in. I'm sure it will start just fine. I will run to operating temp and then shut it off and let it sit for a couple of days. I will check the oil and pull the number 5 plug to check for water. Any other ideas?
If there is water in the cylinder the head will have to come off. Bummer.