Is My Engine Supposed to Look Like This?

Kidding. I found this on the beach in Palos Verdes. Thought it was cool how the different kinds of metals react way differently to corrosion. Bonus: is that non-rusted part aluminum? Thanks for looking

 

the valves are more then likley stainless steel

 

Thanks, it seemed like it was, but I was so surprised to see that much of a difference that I thought it might be aluminum.

 

aluminum would have some corrosion on it, kinda like aluminum wheels when they get salt on them and never get washed.

 

Got it. The metal does look like stainless steel now that you mention it - that kind of dull and soft look like an old butter knife or something. It was pretty cool to find that though. Out of countless rusted out boat engines on that beach that was the only one to have those valves on it still (or ever).