Today I decided to remove the exhaust manifold to try to clean up the engine a little. That turned into about 2 hours of work.

The side of the engine is coated in oil so heavy it's like it has been powdercoated.

That's the lower rear passenger side, where the exhaust would normally be routed.

Here's the top front of the engine, showing some of the exhaust holes.

A couple hours later, it looks much better. My cordless drill had a small wire wheel dipped lightly in Agent Orange hand cleaner. I also sprayed it down with Bleach White tire cleaner. I put some Agent Orange in the bucket of water to clean the wire wheel every few minutes.

It takes time to go around each one of the exhaust manifold bolts and get them clean and smooth.

Here's a closer picture of the valve covers. I'll take those off one day to see what's in there.

Same angle as the 3rd picture in this series, much cleaner now.