is this bad sign?

[bigal23]

Removed inlet manifold to clean and saw this on the head

is this a bad sign?
i have seen 2 other pics in threads cleaning inlet manifold but the right hand side was only one looking like this in them
is this coolant leak?
and what are the ballbearing things in the head for?

 

[Artimus]

pic's too small

 

[max69vk]

A bit bigger.... http://dl.dropbox.com/u/93111318/imag0251.jpg

 

[bigal23]

Cheers for putting up larger pic.

Anyone know if this is bad sign? And what the ball bearings are for

 

[Ste_Nova]

its just an area thats open, i assume the engine bay has been steam cleaned in the past and the water has sat in there till it steamed off

 

[bigal23]

That big is sealed in by the inlet manifold so water should not be able to get in there from outside

 

[-Ju-]

Yeah but if you look at the pic, the corroded area is open to the elements where it extends up past the manifold/gasket, so Ste_Nova is right.

 

[bigal23]

Ok so nothing to worry about. Thought might been bad head pheeeew
Anyone know what the ballbearings are there for?

 

[Boon]

Anyone know what the ballbearings are there for?

Could be a non-return valve?