My wife went to leave for work on Wednesday morning, turned the key and the car would not turn over, just a "clunk" sound. She kept turning the key and after a while the car started to crank, but wouldn't start, so she came inside and got me. I popped the hood and noticed that the coolant over flow tank was empty. I then removed the oil filler tube/cap and saw foam. I knew what was wrong, blown upper intake. Later in the morning I got it in the garage, and drained the oil and coolant. This weekend I replaced the upper intake, but the car wont' start. I pulled all the plugs (they were all gunked up), cranked the starter a few times to clear the cylinders, cleaned up the plugs and re-installed. But it still won't start. Could it just be the plugs are shot from the coolant contamination? Or could something have happened when she kept hammering the starter when the engine was hydrolocked?

There could be damage to the starter, but I assume it worked with the plugs out, or rod bearings were contaminated by coolant causing mucho friction.

I'd replace the plugs entirely for starters. No pun intended. You may find that the O2 sensor will need replacement soon, too. They don't like antifreeze. Have you checked to see if you're getting spark?

Happy day!!!! It'* running. I replaced the plugs, it had difficulty starting, but it did start. It ran really rough, and steam was coming out of the engine and the tail pipe. After about 15 minutes the steam went away. It also did not run as rough, but it still isn't running like it use to. I'll replace the plugs again tomorrow, I bet the ones I put in today are now shot too. I changed the oil twice and it needed it, one change is not enough. The first 5 quarts looked terrible after 15 minutes of running time. After the 2nd oil changed I started the cooling system flush process, the oil now looks perfect and the cooling system is pressurized. I will be picking up an O2 sensor, and replace that too. I am concerned about the MAF sensor, the throttle body was contaminated by coolant. I do hear a clicking sound coming from the throttle body area.