What's this? And what to do with it?

[SamLack99]

Getting ready to check the valve clearances.

(Waiting for gaskets and seals to arrive)

Thought it was a good idea to clean the cylinder head cover up first.

It's covered in what I can only describe as 'Rust'.



I've no idea what the cylinder head cover is made out of, but I'm guessing it shouldn't rust.
Anyway, it seems to come off (ish).

(see next post, as I can't work out how to attach more than 1 photograph in a thread =)



My questions are:

1. What are cylinder head covers made out of?
2. What's this 'rust' like stuff all over it?
3. What's the best way to clean it, treat it, and prevent it coming back?

Many thanks =)

Marcus

 

[SamLack99]

After a bit of elbow grease, the 'rust' does come off...

 

[rphillips]

Just a type of corrosion that happens with alum. Not usually called rust, but kind'f the same thing... Just my opinion.

 

[SamLack99]

Just a type of corrosion that happens with alum. Not usually called rust, but kind'f the same thing... Just my opinion.

That's the word I was looking for...

...Corrosion.

Thanks.

Now I can research how to get rid of it and how to keep it at bay.

 

[Nessism]

Paint the cover. The 8V engines use a painted valve cover. I'm surprised the 16V valve covers are not.