I'm new here (http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=23720) and I want to get this Bonnie to last as long as it can.

Upon changing the oil, I reached my fingers under the valve cover and got all kinds of crust on my finger.

Anyone recommend an engine cleaner for the top end?

Grease[/url]

try changing your oil when your engine is hot... when your engine is hot all of the sludge is mixed into the oil and comes out easier.

Frequent oil changes will slowly clean the engine.More important than the inside of the valve covers is how clean are the head and valve springs when looking through the oil filler hole.

I've been changing my oil every 2 or 3 weeks for over a year now and I'm just now getting a dark honey look.... It takes time, But It'll do. My first oil change seriously took about an hour to get all the oil out...

You can try a can of GM Top Engine Cleaner.
Otherwise frequent oil changes will help and don't be afraid to go WOT a couple times a week that will help keep moving parts free of crap, and burn off some carbon build up.

be careful when getting sludge out of your engine it can clog up oil passages

I put in a bottle of this stuff:

www.auto-rx.com

I took off the valve cover (forward one) and took pictures as a "before." After 3500 miles I will take new pictures and post.

Grease