Originally Posted By: ZeeOSix
02SE - thanks for your input and great info because you've actually seen your Busa engine apart.
I didn't see any signs of corrosion in my cooling system either ... even though I let this coolant run go way too long (10 years, but only 2000 miles). I was certain there was going to be some sign of corrosion or scale in the radiator but it was spotless ... see attached photo. Shows how well the Dex-Cool protects from corrosion.
Only thing I saw was some of the tiny bits of black rubber and also what looked like some tiny aluminum shavings. Hard to say where the aluminum shavings came from - most likely the water pump (?). I don't think the aluminum shavings were anything left over from manufacturing because I've changed and flushed the system twice before this change. I'm also wondering if the metal debris might have been abrading on the edges of the rubber sealing material on the head gasket?
Also, I was running "Water Wetter" so I don't know how that reacts with rubber or silicone materials. Water Wetter also has some kind of anti-corrosion additive. Did you ever run Water Wetter?
So did you see any signs at all of degradation on the rubber sealing layer on the head gasket? Also, if you recall, is the material around the circumference of the bores on the head gasket the same as the other rubbery material?
I'm just going to wait and see what Preston says, and if I feel leery about the Dex-Cool and the rubber material on the head gasket I'll just flush the Dex-Cool and go with the Zerex Asian formula in blue ... to match the Busa.
Shavings of aluminum could be from the water pump. Unless they continue, or you have signs of a failing water pump, I wouldn't worry too much about it. But keeping an eye on the cooling system wouldn't be a bad idea. Pulling the water pump is easy on the 'Busa. So it wouldn't be much work to check it out.
Suzuki used black sealant in various areas when assembling the engine. I'd bet on the black bits being small amounts of that sealant which has come loose.
As for Redline Water Wetter, I've used it extensively with distilled water, when running on the track. I've always switched back to regular Prestone Ethylene Glycol OAT anti-freeze, after time at the track, because my bikes live in a climate where well below freezing temps are common during winter.
No degradation of the head gasket was apparent when I pulled the engine apart to rebuild it bigger, stronger, we have the technology.. Sorry, Six Million Dollar Man flashback..