Weird coating near valves

[AstronautTurtle]

What is this copper like substance? It wipes off easy. Found it while replacing valve cover gasket.

[EAD15]

If I had to guess, I would say it's oil (or other stuff that was suspended in the oil) that settled on the camshaft when the car was turned off. Because the engine would still be hot and there would be no oil flow, it was probably "baked" on there.

I doubt it's anything to worry about, but you could still clean it off if it concerns you.

[xintersecty]

i sprayed mine down with carb-cleaner before I closed up mine. Just trying to keep it clean. It's oil that's baked on like EAD15 said.

[Daox]

Thats normal. Its when it gets like this that its a problem.

What Happens If You Dont Change The Oil In Your Audi For 84,000 Miles

[xintersecty]

Thats normal. Its when it gets like this that its a problem.

What Happens If You Dont Change The Oil In Your Audi For 84,000 Miles

Thanks Doax, I had to swallow back the bile that came up after looking at that picture. It reminded me a nasty stove that I had to clean when I rented a "low-rent" apartment in Ceder Rapids.

[AstronautTurtle]

Thanks for the replies. I noticed it getting better after switching to royal purple.