DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

I have just removed the lower cam covers to check my valve clearances and found a coating of what looks like paint on the underside. Is this normal, or did a previous owner paint them - for whatever reason? It doesn't look right to me, as it is starting to flake away. I could understand painting the outside (which is even worse) but surely not the inside? Has anybody else come across this? Any advice ?

They should be unpainted.

People often paint the outside of the upper valve covers as they're more visible.

I'd strip it all off.

As noted above, remove it and pray that none of it is already blocking any oilways.

Ian

Thanks for the info guys, I'll get stripping and praying!
Maurice