I think we have a winner.

 

My first thought is Alumaseal, the only thing is I got the bike with very few miles, don't know what reason it would be there. It doesn't mean it doesn't have sealant in it. It is non magnetic, flake like, almost dust like. It's very small, so small when I "filter it" it is super hard to even see a "shine". I'm just going to flush the system and see what happens. It's running fine, not hot, not cool. The only reason I looked into the overflow with a flashlight is to see how low it was. It was a bit low but I was under the impression that was normal after a change out/major work.

 

Nope not normal.. If the side cover was replaced or the water pump otherwise worked on,, I'd guess the impeller was set too shallow in the cover and the impeller was / is rubbing against the pump cover.. I've fixed two like this so far where owners tried to replace the water pump seal and did not understand the reason the manual has a very small range for installed height of the impeller.

 

+1
Or you bike has snuck out to the strip clubs without you...

 

The bike had major work done and the entire case was split. Would the impeller rubbing be audible? That is for sure a possiblility. How do I check it? I have flushed the hell out of the system. Most of it was in the overflow, but it may just appear that way because that is the easiest place to see it with a flashlight. Anybody willing to go shake the bike and look in their overflow tank with a flashlight and tell me what you see?

 

I would fill it with water, run it a few miles to full hot, drain it and refill with distilled/anti-freeze @50/50 and see what you have after a few weeks. May not be rubbing any more. If it particles recur, then you know you need to act. If not. you're good to go.

 

hahaha, you mean the old SH may have snuck in a lap dance or two. Knowing mine, it's a good possibility.hahahaha

 

I actually was curious about the same thing, not curious enough to start a thread, but still. I changed the coolant in the fall just cause I haven't done it since I owned the bike (11,000mi) and notice the same thing. It was actually really hard to notice. the only reason I was able to see it was cause I had some sunlight. I thought nothing of it, changed it and went on my way. I'm hoping is some sort of alumaseal or whatever they are calling it. What do the masters say?

 

I really appreciate this forum and you guys on it. There are times when panic can be started here but I'm learning to be patient and keep reading : )
I filled, ran and drained it twice with straight distilled water. I also flushed the heck out of the overflow by simply removing the siphon tube and running water through the tank. I'll fill it with coolant tomorrow, burp it, and check it periodically.
It is really hard to see if you're not looking. I ony saw it because I stuck a flashlight in the overflow tank to see how low it was.

 

You can remove the pump cover and see if it has been rubbing on the cover, or the inverse, if the impeller was set too deep and is rubbing on the case itself (not likely as the installer can see and feel that mistake as it's installed... the impeller will not turn freely)
If the impeller is (was) rubbing against the pump cover.... it's pretty much done what ever damage there was to be done,, the stainless steel impeller cuts through the aluminum cover pretty quick. Both owners I fixed this issue for, had a whirling "rubbing" sound that was the tail tel sign. . the sound and vibration felt at the pump cover was of course the impeller grinding away at the cover.

The fix (if needed on yours.. as your still not sure this is the issue with your contaminated coolant) is removing the side case cover and pump, setting the impeller to the right depth, and if bad enough, replacing the pump cover (on the two I fixed, one was bad, the other had very light marks and was re used) So the parts list is small, side case cover gasket and coolant.

 

Thanks E. mine never made any noise (that I know of) but it does sound like a very reasonable explanation. If that was the case, I think it was slight and it's no longer rubbing. I got it all filled back up and rode today. I'll check every so often to see if it happens again, otherwise, It's all good.