Engine tap/smoke at start up

[BONANZA77]

Recently bought a 77 K20 Bonanza. 400ci/th400 179,000 miles. Had a huge 11' cabover camper on it since 85, so lots of extra load most its life. Then it sat in a field from 2009-2014. Charged the batt and fired right up. All fluids looked clean but I changed oil anyway. Gas tanks were almost empty so I just added sea foam and filled em up with 92 octane. All I've done to the truck (other than remove the rotted camper) is rebuild the quadrajet and change the water pump.

Now that you have some history, here's my problem:
There's a tapping sound coming from the engine, pretty loud when cold but seems to quiet some after warmed up. There's also quite a bit of smoke upon startup. Even after it just sits for an hour and I restart it there's some smoke. Smoke goes away after running for maybe 30 seconds or so. Runs smooth and stays cool. It's done this since I got it, rebuild of the quad didn't change anything. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[Jason S]

Howdy from Kansas and welcome to the forum.

The tapping may just be a lifter that takes a bit to pump up.  If it's blue smoke then it is probably worn cylinder head valve stem seal(s) which is very typical for a small block Chevy engine.

Overall, it sounds like you have a great find. Be sure to post photos when you get a chance.

[BONANZA77]

Thanks for the quick reply. I was thinking lifter too but with the smoke, which looks mostly white, I thought maybe a valve problem.

I'm pretty happy with it. Payed 800 then got 400 for the camper. Got new tires and 16" wheels from a newer chevy because I couldn't find many options for the old 16.5's. Then I sold the old wheels and tires. I needed E rated to haul wood. Cut off the crazy bumper extension that stuck out 4' to protect the camper and welded in a new hitch receiver, then fabbed some brackets to get the bumper back to stock position. Used to have the front bumper mounted spare so I took that off but the stock contraption that holds the spare under the truck wouldn't work becuase of all the crap they did for the bumper extension. So I grabbed a reel and crank style spare holder from a ford van and made some brackets to attach it under the bed. Works great. Much easier than the chevy style scissor thing they used on this gen. So in all I think I'm in it for right around 1000. It's not much to look at but its a great work truck. It's got lifetime airbags too so I should have no problem hauling a cord and a half or better.

I get some pics up soon