Engine smoke

[390F100]

Hey I finally got my 390 engine started inside of my truck and once warm it smokes only from the driver side and is a light bluish/white smoke. I pulled the #5 plug and looked down into the cyl and noticed there was an oily residue on the piston. It might have been there from a long time ago or just from sitting I'm not to sure but what could cause it and how do I get rid of it.

390f100

[theskytoucher]

i would run the motor and get it up to normal temp and see if it burns off if it is still there, then dig into it deeper but that i just me!!!!

[DuckRyder]

More information would help.

Is this a new engine, old engine, been sitting? does it run O.K.?

Did this just start? What caused you to look at the number 5 cylinder? Does it smoke on decel or on a cold start? Any smell to the smoke?

Based on the information you gave my first guesses would be: Valve guides/seals and/or head gasket.

[390F100]

Sorry for the lack of information...the engine had been sitting for quite awhile, my guess is between 2-3 years. when I got it I pulled everything off except for the heads and resealed everything and I did replace the valve seals. The inside of the engine was immaculate, no sludge or anything like that, it still had some assembly lube on the bottom of the oil pan, and the pistons and everything else inside the engine looked brand new or pretty close to it, still nice and shiny. I'm thinking that since it did sit maybe the rings need to work in again ( just me thinking) The smoke is only when it warms up and only on the driver side, that is why I pulled the # 5 plug. The motor fires right up and the throttle response is outstanding, It idles like a brand new engine, completely smooth, and when i rev it up it rocks the truck from side to side telling me it has plenty of power. I have no idea what is going on, I was thinking of putting something in the oil like a can of restore, what do you guys think??? I havent done anything to it yet, and I have not driven the truck yet because well the driveshaft is out of it and I just picked up a gas tank for it and it has NO brakes whatsoever. I hope that info helps, I know it would have been nice to have in the first post...thanks for your help.

390f100

[ToughOldFord]

I'm with Troy, once it's roadworthy I'd just drive it and see if it just needs to clean it's throat after sitting and being worked on. Just keep an eye on your gauges and fluids.

Stay away from that engine restore stuff, it's cr*p in a can.

[Jake11]

The oil ring might be stuck from sitting that long. A little ATF down the intake and let it set overnight works
sometimes to free them up. Pour/trickle! a little in while it's running. Shut it off and put it to sleep.
Jake

[DuckRyder]

Good tips so far.

I would also run it a bit, also if it still has assembly lube on it, the rings probably are not seated so 500 or so "break in" miles are probably in order. If I added anything to the oil it would be marvel mystery oil or ATF.