Toyota Trucks: Grit at top of 4runner engine??

I have 1999 4runner SR5 V6 with 60K miles.

I have always changed my oil at 3K mile intervals without fail.
Yesterday I took off the oil filer cap and noticed a sandy grit
substance on the surface of the baffles at the top of the engine just
under the cap.

Does anyone know what this is? Its not gel or sludge, but it feels
like sand if you rub it between your fingers.

Thanks

In news:com,
james randall <net> being of bellicose mind posted: 

James... When you remove the oil filler cap and peer in the filler
neck, there is a sheet metal baffle. This baffle is coated with a
hard, rough, dark brown crust that resembles that Rhinolite coating
you see sprayed in truck beds? It's not an uncommon occurance.
I've seen this in many engines at the car auction and why it's there
..... I can't tell you. If you look around the edge of the baffle with
a flashlight, you can see the head and part of a cam shaft. So long
as it's clean (no varnish/sludge) below the baffle, drive on with
confidence.
--

-Philip

"Whatever is a choice will become chosen"