None taken. You nailed it, it's crud. Seemed that the pump/engine gasket might have been leaking a tad, so the engine started to go all crud-dy on me. When the OEM pump started to go back in 1998 or 9, that whole section of the engine started to get rusted out. I painted it with Rustoleum gray primer, never did get to paint it in the Universal Bronze (have a can) also understand that GM Camel (#286) also works. As you can see from other pictures in that link, it's time to paint again.
It's truly amazing how salt water can "migrate" around.
A friend wrote this on our C34 Board:
When we first posted it the #286 GM Camel paint was available at Track auto stores (1998?). When Track was bought up, I guess that the metallic copper paint went with the buyout? Just look for some metallic copper auto paint.
BTW, the front of the accessory end of the engine (Oberdoffer/Sherwood and the internal water pump is mounted to) is an aluminum alloy!! The bell housing is also an aluminum alloy. The Hurth transmission body is also an aluminum alloy. The only part of the engine that can rust is the cast iron Kubota block and the steel oil pan.!
Don't get me wrong, because aluminum alloy will corrode somewhat if salt water stays on it. I have never painted my new injectors, because salt water should never get up that high. To preclude the chipping of paint you can also get the same protection from BO Shield (waxy) spray.