I have an "engine knock" sound......it didn't happen til' the car overheated (not badly, cause of some plumbing issues) and either cracked the head or blown gasket (smoke out left side)

The main question
Could water be getting in and since water doesn't compress....could that cause knocking water being at top of pistons?

I'm almost sure it didn't start until the cracked head/blown head gasket
Also knocking doesn't start until the engine has been running for awhile
I don't think it is rod knocking........this knock, i'm pretty clueless on what it could be by the sound

 

What motor is it? Have you done a compression test?

If you have a 3100, a piston slap is normal... But if you have a cracked head or a blown head gasket I don't suggest starting it very much...

Time to take the motor apart though.

 

how fast does your car heat up now? and have you checked you oil to see if you have any coolent going into the oil?

 

Sorry, its a 350....and actually no I havn't done compression test yet

and car doesn't heat up/overheat since i've rerouted my hoses from going into heater core (which was the problem initially)
I have drained all coolant for right now, just running water
I am going to check it again to see if oil is a little thinner than usual

 

Thanks and Don't worry about it guys

Engine swap #2 here we come

 

check your oil to c if its milky and then check your coolant level

first off you should not start and run a car that has a cracked head or leaking head gasket that is severe enough to blow smoke out the side of the engine. if you are getting a knock after the overheating it may already be to late for your engine. get the car towed in and looked at before you certainly ruin your engine.

second go to google and type in hydrolocked engine and c what it can and will do to your engine. if you suspect coolant in the cylinders once again do not start or run the engine

third if i havent already told u DO NOT RUN YOUR CAR. you may already have spun a bearing or bent a rod

oh and to answer ur main question- yes it could bend something and cause the knock.