Hi all,

Anyone know what might cause this? Motor is very clean inside - runs good except for some pinging I have yet to sort out. Claimed 56k original miles. The orangish stuff wipes off. Not hardened.

Thanks for any insights!

 

Not sure what the reddish stuff is. Remains of marvel mystery oil or some such oil additive?

While the valve covers are off you should check your pushrods to see if they are straight. It looks like they might be rubbing.

 

Looks like good old fashioned rust from here. Its not uncommon for valve covers to condesate when sitting, and with 56k, I'd say she sat for awhile..

 

Rust from condensation.

 

Rust from condensation and the wear marks on the pushrods have been on just about every Olds motor I've ever had apart. That's normal from parts bouncing around.

 

Thanks all for your insights and expertise.

 

Maybe it's bouncing around, maybe not. It's still real easy to check a couple with the valve covers off.

 

Knock yourself out, but if the pushrods were bent, the mark would only be on one side, not all the way around.

 

Good point.