Was driving Vette recently after it sat for a month without running. After about 5 minutes of driving backfired and valves started rattling. Broke it down and discovered broken push rod on intake valve. Replaced pushrod and turned over to check reaction. Thinking might have sticky valve put small amount of tranny fluid in valve port to soak overnight. When I turned it over, compression forced some tranny fluid to blow from intake. Seems valve may be sticking open to some degree.... appears correct height when supposedly closed. Any suggestions what problem might be before removing head to check. Engine is a 383 stroker with roller rockers and hydralic lifters.

Do a compression test on all the cylinders. Then compare the readings. That will tell you a lot. Low compression can indicate a stuck valve among other things. Did you over rev it? That can bend a valve and leave it hanging open.