contaminated oil? ticking/tapping?

[the_orangutan]

Just off the bat this forum and the people who contribute to it are INCREDIBLE. In the past four months I've disassembled the engine in my '98 3.0L 5speed 4x4 XLT, had the short block and heads rebuilt by a mach shop, and reassembled with all new gaskets, almost all new sensors, new clutch/slave cylinder/pilot bearing, front and rear seals, oil pan/pump, and other parts I can't remember. So big ups to this forum the admins and all the members for all the help along the way thank you guys (and gals?) in a big way, I'd buy you all a round, a bunch of rounds

I started this project with NO experience. Only ever changed oil once, that's it. Started this project a total noob and after four months of frustration, I'm more in touch with my inner idiot. And the truck runs! And no external leaks! Broke her in, bout 600 miles with an oil change at 25mi and another at about 500mi.

A photo from the first oil change is attached. The oil is cloudy which got me paranoid about the lower intake manifold to head gaskets, if they sealed proper. The second oil change was somewhat better same kind of cloudy though. Can anyone identify the contamination, if it is coolant or moisture or something else?

Also got ticking/tapping coming from the valve cover so I figure it's a jumping pushrod, either a rocker arm is loose or a hydraulic lifter is lame. Any suggestions? I'm about to take off on a cross-country road trip from Miami to Colorado, is it necessary to fix that tapping before leaving or will the truck make the trip alright?

Hope y'all had a smashing holiday, responses much appreciated!