I have a '55 Monterey with a stock 292. Two years ago I put it into storage to pursue another project. When I last drove it two years ago it ran perfect. Today, I found the engine to be locked up. I pulled all plugs and the front left 3 and the front right 4 plugs were very rusty. The other plugs were absolutely normal. After soaking the cylinders with WD 40 and Marvel Mystery Oil, I got the engine to turn over with the use of a socket and bar on the crank pulley bolt.

Also, the front cross member on the left side and all under the engine was wet with antifreeze and for the life of me I can't see where it came from. Absolutely not from the radiator or lower hose.

Here comes the questions.

1. Any ideas where the leak may be?

2. How could the leak cause rusty pistons and cylinders?

3. Although the engine now turns over fine by hand, has internal damage been done?



Because sometime in the last 2 years I lost all the antifreeze, is there a chance the block is now cracked. (I live high in the mountains of AZ and the last two winters have had days below zero).

Any assistance you fellers and gals can give me would certainly be appreciated.

My wife said she would divorce me if I bought another car. It scared me so bad I only bought 3 last month!