problems with engine

[Irish_Alley]

350 is idling sporadic it goes all over about 100 rpm difference. Had to step up the idle so when I depress the clutch while stopping it doesn't die so it was idling about 8 then while clutch is depressed she will drop to 500 then die if I don't give it gas. Changed plugs there is a miss still on the right side. When I removed number 3 plug the contacts were touching so I put new plug in and started the engine took new plug out no damage. Changed carbs with one I know is good if I remove the plug wires oneby one on the passenger's side the only difference in how the engine runs is on number one plug. Talking it over with a buddy as hard as I have run this engine we think she's tired thinking a. Cam is worn b.a lifter is bad c. bent valve. Any thought or suggestions.

[1980c10]

check your oil for metal from a worn lobe or maybe fuel from a bad ring, test compression, you could also remove the valve cover and watch the valve while turning the engine over. Is your wire good  goint to the plug, you could also check under the cap for arc or burn marks under the dist cap(compared to the rest). just some thoughts

[jaredts]

When you pulled #3 plug the contacts were touching???  Do you mean the plug had been hit and bent?  A compression or leakdown check would sure narrow things down.

[Irish_Alley]

I did look at the valves they look ok. Something about watching the valves move is just so beautiful lol. Oil was changed not long ago didn't notice much did change rear main and I think there was like a metallic coloring in the bottom of the pan. Think it is time for a rebuild. Wanted to do a 383 but with a little one on the way I guess I have to settle for a mild 350

[VileZambonie]

Check the distributor/rotor/cap/wires

[Jim Rockford]

Since you changed the oil not long ago, My vote is a flat cam lobe.

[Irish_Alley]

The oil has a gas smell and I'm finding milk no water just milk

[screamin86]

Sounds like leaky headgasket maybe. Or intake.

[Grim 82]

A compression or leakdown check would sure narrow things down.

^ this, and this>

Sounds like leaky headgasket maybe. Or intake.

Did it pop smoke from the exhaust at all? How's the coolant level?
Hopefully you can get it in decent enough shape to limp it along until you can build the motor you want.

[Jim Rockford]

If the oil smells like gas then your fuel pump is leaking  and milk is water mixing with oil, more than likely its a blown head head gasket.

[Irish_Alley]

She still runs strong just has a couple issues lol. In the spring me and my bud will tear it down and do a frame resto. I think we got everything except engine things