2000 V6 Unknown substance around valve covers

[ocp]

Hi all,
I just recently purchased a 2000 SR5 with ~145K miles. It's my second 4Runner (previous was a 99 that I had to sell several years ago). So far, everything seems great; runs well and everything appears mechanically sound. However, it look over the engine more closely today, I noticed a a bit of white protruding out from underneath the valve covers. On the driver's side valve cover, I also noticed a gray substance on the cover. The gray substance looks fluid but it has hardened. Just curious if anyone has any idea what it could be? (see pics below)

I have some mechanical ability but am by no means a veteran so if I've messed anything up in my description above, feel free to correct me!

Thanks

 

[Arnezie]

First pick (grey substance ) looks like JB Weld or something similar , other pic is most likely some kind of gasket sealer.

 

[ocp]

Thanks! I guess that means somebody replaced the gaskets in the past and also that the driver's side valve cover may have a crack in it?

 

[Arnezie]

Thanks! I guess that means somebody replaced the gaskets in the past and also that the driver's side valve cover may have a crack in it?

That would be my guess

 

[LittleCaesar]

Leave well enough alone until you can get a used valve cover. 53in/lbs of torque is not much. People like to gorilla the bolts on there.

 

[sterbenlicht]

Yep, that light colored stuff is whatever they used to seal the cam bore seal when they did the valve cover gaskets. It's just some form of RTV. People break off the lobes on those valve covers from time to time, and someone tried to reattach it. If it isn't leaking, you're probably a-okay for a while.

 

[ocp]

Thanks for input. I'll definitely leave it be for now. The only issue I foresee is trying to the remove that bolt since the JB Weld is covering it. I don't have much experience with JB weld but I would imagine it's not easy to remove. Anybody know a good way to remove it? Like I said, I'll leave for now but thought I'd ask for future reference.

Thanks again.