Query on some black residue

[[D]]

Hi guys,

I'm not a motoring enthusiast, so please forgive me if i don't use the right terminology. I was changing the motor oil on my 98' V6 Camry, which has done approx 100,000 km's (60,000 miles) and i noticed some black residue coming up around, which seems to be unusual. I have taken a picture of it, so clear up what i am trying to explain.

http://www.pixilive.com/viewbig.php?...4/IMG0231a.jpg

Thanks and all your help is greatly appreciated.



Dennis.

[bigbird]

thats just dirt and gunk building up. as the seals of ur engine wear small ammounts of oil squeeze through and dirt collects on it. nothing to worry about though, just hit it with engine cleaner if it bothers u.

[ASG14]

Thats just the Valve Cover Gasket (rubber between the valve cover and engine head) thats starting to dry out and leak. It will need to be changed soon, but it's fine to drive with. If you have an I4 engine, it;s a semi-cheap fix. The V6 is more.

The following pic is my engine. The rubber gasket goes around the outside to keep in the oil.