I was just about to scroll back through this post and see if I could find a link to that scope. I need to check the gas tanks for rust as well.

We were all scratching our head on this. Bartamos may have nailed it. It was backed over some telephone poles when parked. The differential settled on the posts, but the front was able to sag lower. The oil filler and vent tube are all towards the back. The only other thing I could come up with is the upper radiator hose blowing a leak. There are only 4 bolts on the valve cover, and none on the front, so it could have pushed water past the gasket. Problem with that theory, is it would have had to happen right as it was parked.

Anyway, it is what it is. If I can get it started, I will. If not, I will rebuild the motor. I think I will go order a scope right now though.

Thanks all, I will post updates as I have them

Originally Posted by JW51
Hotrod Lincoln speaks highly of the little borescope cameras they sell on eBay or Amazon nowadays. For $40 or so you can buy one that hooks up to a laptop and/or smartphone and peek down the spark plug holes. Might be worth it before pulling the head.

The alleged history of the truck doesn't seem to support a catastrophic water- pushing event. I like bartamos' theory about condensation and tilt. Or maybe some other reason that condensation tended to concentrate on that side of engine.

Does your valve cover have a breather cap at the front? Maybe some water found its way in there at some point.

1959 Chevy Viking. Belonged to my Great Grandfather