Goopy mess under valve cover (1 Viewer)

[woytovich]

Working on this new-to-me Stout... trying to get it ready to start...
Taking off the 3R valve cover I found this goopy sticky oil mess and it doesn't appear that oil is circulating. I'm wondering if the valves are stick or...?
Is there any value in trying to clean this up in-place or should I just bite the bullet and take this apart...? And if it really should be pulled apart I'm going to need some guidance.
I'm not afraid to dig in but this is new territory for me.
I don't yet have a manual for the 3R that'll help (I have a couple on order but they have not arrived). Can I follow info on the 2F to get started or are they significantly different engines up here on the top?

 

[nuclearlemon]

backwoods goop. hehehehehee

 

[woytovich]

Removed, disassembled and cleaned the rocker assembly.

 

[trainbufftony]

Lots of engines have that level of carbon buildup and they run just fine that way.
Modern lubricants are much better quality and they (Modern cars) don't carbon up nearly that bad, especially if the owner changes their oil.
Speaking of oil changes.
Toss in a quart of ATF at your nest oil change in place of a quart of oil.
The chlorine in the ATF will help to loosen and remove those deposits without laboring over a solvent tank.
Good luck.

 

[woytovich]

Well I sold both of the Stouts I had so this is kind of a non issue for me now...but thanks for the update.