Ok, So I just finished building a 388 and I went to readjust my rockers and when I took off the valve cover it had a white milky look oh the inside near the front most of the car on the drivers side. I havent gotten a chance to take off the other side cause I ran in to make this post. I dont even have a half hour of run time on this engine and it never got overheated or anything so I dont think that I "blew" a head gasket. There has to be a reason for this though and what is the simplest solution?

 

It could be moisture/condensation in the oil.

How long was this motor sitting during the rebuild? Did you add the oil
just before firing the motor?

If not, drain the oil and change the filter. Run the motor to temperature
and then check under the valve covers again.

 

The motor was sitting with the oil pan on for less then a month during rebuild. Yes I added the oil JUST before firing the motor. (was that bad or good?)

I will have to wait to do what you suggest cause my intake is off and my new one is being shipped. I will however change the oil and filter, when it comes time to start her up again.

 

You said its a new build, did the builder by chance use lithium grease? White assembly lube looks an awful lot like milky oil after a little run time. I have had people call me to come look at one I built thinking it was that. I use a lot on the upper end. so much that when I fire an engine, i pull the coil wire and crank till I see oil pressure. Plug in the coil wire and start it. I never hear so much as a tap from a rocker. Plenty of lube will make oil look that way. usually takes 2 changes to get it all out.

 

This was my first engine build and I built it with a friend who has rebuilt many other engines (although this was his first SBC.) Unfortunatly I did not use any white lithium grease. Do you have any other ideas?

 

depending on how long the engine sat and if the room it was stored in was temp controlled or not can make a difference. There could have been stored moisture inside the engine anyway. I would change the oil and set the lifters. Run it a little and check again. Keep a close eye on it. If it is mixing, its a slight case right now, run it and see if it does it some more. Good chance you may not find anymore water, and it was nothing. If it is something more, you will find it.