i just started my car after all winter and she started after the third crank but after i turned it off it made the normal tick from the valves but theres was a different tick more spaced apart and louder like something tapping on the block noise and also theres smoke coming from where the manifold bolts to the drivers side header im thinking its just dust or something settled in there but it only one spot and also i checked the oil and there were a few bubble on the dip stick so im starting to fear a cracked block any ideas? and suggestions to check for sure if my block is cracked thanks in advance

 

Bubbles on the dip stick? The rotating assembly whips the oil up, probably what your seeing. If it's drops of water / anti freeze, you should be able to tell the diff., then that's not good. If the oil turns to a milkshake color, then it's water or coolant + oil. Not good. If you see oil in your anti freeze, not good. Otherwise, the air bubbles probably arent worth worrying about.

The ticking and tapping, may be from heat expansion or may be warning signals of problems below. If you're really concerned and want to know what kind of condtion your motor is in, you might want to perform a compression and or a leak down test.

 

leak down test? if there was water or coolant in my oil is the difference really noticable or barely cuz the oil looks normal i just wasent sure how noticable it would be

 

if it's been sitting for that long it's possible that your just hearing the lifters ticking from sitting so long.