Mr.D-'97 A4q 12v

all over everything under the valve cover. I can only assume this is oil and is probably normal for an engine with 205,000 miles. A few questions:

Should I worry about this? Should it be cleaned out? If so, how? Could this be why the engine taps so loudly while it is running? Also, the gasket is cork, should I use a gasket sealant with it?

Thanks, I appreciate any help. Hopefully this will save a trip to the mechanic.

ArandA4

If you're concerned, just get some carb cleaner and a brillo pad to clean out the inside of the valve cover. It probably is carbon deposits from blow by gases and also oil sludge remnants. Just don't leave anything that will flake off and plug up an oil passage.

As far as the seal goes, make sure both surfaces are clean and install. You don't need any additional silicone or anything like that. (I'm assuming the cork gasket is completely flat, else you'd place dabs of silicone at the corners)

Don't over-tighten and tighten in a cross pattern, doing each bolt/nut a little at a time.
The cork gaskets typically only last 4-6 years, so if the truck is still running at that point...

Mr.D-'97 A4q 12v

Thanks.