Carbon Buildup on Engine

I have build up on my engine, specifically around the oil dipstick... any ideas what it could be? and how to prevent it?

 

Soap and water will take care of that

 

Looks more like a valve cover gasket leaking a bit. Give the bolts in that corner a little more snugging up. Don't crank them down.

 

wouldn’t you clean it before cranking down on bolts ? If it was cleaned you might watch to see where it’s coming from.

 

I might. He should be able to see it already. The source will be wet compared to the rest, don't you think?
I also said don't crank them down!
Looking at the pic, I'm gonna say it's up on the front of the valve cover.

 

I have the same leak, it looks like it has been leaking long before I got the truck. maybe ill snug the bolts up as suggested above one of these days. For me, it only looks like a tiny weep. I am not too worried about it. Ive seen several other people post about this leak. take a look here
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/valve-cover-gasket-leak.248748/

 

Gasket may need to be replaced & tube seals? I’d check & make sure u don’t have oil on the spark plugs too.

 

prob just some dirty oil blow back...

for your next oil change try some of that new syntheticless natural motor oil

its plant based and helps c02 as well as fights dip stick blow back

 

Thanks for your quick response, I'll scrub it off, snug up the bolts and keep an eye on it.

I'm planning to install new spark plugs next month so I'll inspect those.

 

shit this wasnt a friday thread?