I was going to change my leaking cam cover gasket. I had the dealer do it the first time under warranty. When I got the cam cover off, I noticed what I thought to be some sort of black material that appeared to be painted on the surface of the cam cover mating surface. The marking seemed have the same lines in it of the gasket I had just removed. I assumed the dealer has applied some sort of sealant or coating to make sure the cam cover didn't leak. when they did it. I assumed it had to come off and I started to try and remove it with a plastic razor. It would not come off so I tried some emory cloth and was able to remove some of it own to the bare metal on the cam cover surface. It was a slow going and I ran out of time and was only able to get a small area done.
Is the cam cover mating surface supposed to be clean metal or is the black material there for a reason?
Is the cam cover mating surface supposed to be clean metal or is the black material there for a reason?