Ford 1710 low rpm knock

[double hunter]

Bought a new toy day before yesterday and got it running yesterday, its a Ford 1710 and it runs good, I have noticed a low rpm knock or rattle anywhere below 1200 rpm, once I increase the rpm's the noise goes away, I might also mention that when I first crank it, it smokes for 2-3 mins (every time) and then clears up, talked to a man yesterday who sounded like he knew what he was talking about and he said the initial smoke is probably valve stem seals leaking, the low rpm noise concerns me as I do not want to harm the engine, picked this thing up for a song and I cant carry a tune in a sack.

 

[JC-jetro]

It might need a bit of valve lash adjustment. does it do it more during cold start and then quits?

JC,

 

[double hunter]

The same, warm or cold

 

[JC-jetro]

Usually as the engine gets warmer there is less rocker arm to valve stem noise. Is the noise from head area or block. Did you put a mechanic's stethoscope to it to better identify knocking noise source?

JC,