4.0 1GR unidentified Black subtsance

So I have a 2012 Tundra with the dohc 1GR-FE. I found a black substance on the front corner of the engine passenger side under the valve cover. It has no identifiable smell, it is gummy a bit sticky and stuck to my fingers really well. It was on the block and on the line pictures. I could not get better pictures than this or further investigate. The crew over @yota.parts.distributor thinks it could be an oil leak, header lead(soot), or a rubber build up from the belt. I have no idea what it could be and I’m worried as I have never seen this before all through 153K miles. This has to have popped up in the past 10K miles if not less. Does anybody have any experience with this on their trucks? Is it common to see this nothing to worry about? Is this something that can be a big issue? I’m going to clean it with degreaser and see if it comes back any time soon and if so I’ll try to trace it back to its home. Let me know if you have any experience or suggestions.

 

Typical 1GR timing cover leak, its sweat that has collected dirt over the years. I wouldn't worry about this at all, its likely very old.

 

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Ive had moments where I’ve driven the truck hard and smelled burnt oil but it has to be probably a handful of times in the 3 years of ownership. Maybe this is what I was smelling? Thank you for the reply by the way

 

Not typically, the oil from the timing cover would have to be puking out to reach the exhaust. You may have a leak elsewhere that may need further attention.

Famously the 5.7 tundras leak onto the exhaust from the engine. But not the 4.0

 

I’d get a new serpentine belt though. Looks a bit toasty.

 

They do that quick down here.

 

Hard to identify. I was thinking Toyota can take a look when I get an oil change but they do a garbage job and overcharge me anytime I go to them for a service

 

Might get the area serviced, I have a weird cyclic noise and was told it can be something within that system