Old yellow residue all over valve cover, etc.

[shellback]

Hello,
What's all this yellow residue that's flacking off on my valve cover, and engine bay?

1) How do I remove it?
2) Any ideas to clean up the engine area, make it look nice?
3) My BMW black platic cover that covers the spark plugs on my M42 looks worn out. Any ideas to bring it back to life?

So far, the only spring cleaning I've done to the engine area is:
-New boot that goes between TB and the "air computer thingy" I can think of the name right now!
-Also added new red ignition wires from Bav auto.
-Also filled up wiper reservoir with some nice blue liquid from Walmart, $0.97

[e30jones]

yellow residue is cosmoline, a sealant that BMW put on the engine bay to protect from salt damage due to overseas shipping IIRC. It was supposed to be removed at the dealership i think, there are a few threads about it, probably the best bet is to use some sort of a degreaser and a lot of arm strength to scrub it off.

[I3uller]

-New boot that goes between TB and the "air computer thingy" I can think of the name right now!

the mass air meter?

o and for number 2. simply check out my writeup... http://bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=340274

[MR 325]

It's called an air flow meter

[2002maniac]

Actually, it's called a Vane air meter

[MR 325]

I am no newbie and it's an Air Flow meter

THanks

[m42technic]

Vane air meter and air flow meter = same thing.

[shellback]

the mass air meter?

o and for number 2. simply check out my writeup... http://bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=340274

Uller, I remember your post from a few days ago. Awesome!
I wonder how easy or difficult the M42 job would be?

[2002maniac]

I am no newbie and it's an Air Flow meter

THanks

No offense intended, just playing around

[I3uller]

Uller, I remember your post from a few days ago. Awesome!
I wonder how easy or difficult the M42 job would be?

couldnt be too tough
thanks for the props