3.2 valve cover with "material" in them

[jhynesrockmtn]

Hi, going through my modified SC with a pretty fresh 3.2 built by Chris Powell several years ago. I'd have to go through records but guessing 20k on rebuilt. I've removed lower valve covers getting ready to check the valve clearances.

Both lower covers had some "material in them. Not sure what. non metallic. It doesn't appear to be gasket material. Is it normal to have some junk in there? Engine appears to be in great shape, almost no material on either magnetic drain plug when the oil was drained.

Just clean them up and reinstall with new gasket kit?

[old man neri]

Normal. Where the junk is located in the picture is actually external to the engine. It is not inside.

[Lyle O]

If you really want to be sure, on your next oil change, send an oil sample to Blackstone Labs or other similar service. They will tell exactly what's in your oil, and if some elements are out of the normal range. If anything from inside your covers is contaminating the engine, the oil analysis will tell you.

[DRACO A5OG]

+1, External debris. the darker area is where the oil circulates.

Post a pic of the engine where the cover was, I bet you will see more debris. Next time you service the alternator, you can shop vac the top of the heads.