Anyone else had this issue? Oil residue in Coolant Res.

[Mr Jensee]

Yesterday I changed the oil in my Voyager XII. It is a 2001 model with about 30,000 miles on it. After I filled the bike with oil I decided to check the coolant reservoir which looked pretty filthy. I stuck my finger in the fillup hole and got back a black greasy substance lining the bottle. I pulled it out, emptied it, the coolant looked ok, cleaned it in the sink with dishwashing detergent. Reinstalled it back on the bike and put in fresh coolant to the low level. Now I am concerned the bike may have a blown gasket somewhere letting oil get into the coolant. The idea of an engine teardown when it is running so well terrifies me as nobody in this town seems qualified to change plugs much less tear into a 15 year old bike. I certainly am not qualified nor am I physically able anymore. Just changing the oil ruined me for the rest of the day.

[Chris near Kansas City]

Most likely it is nothing to be worried about. Those catch cans seem to collect junk. Since they are at the bottom, stuff tends to gravitate and not leave. A lot of cars and trucks out there also have nasty overflow jugs on the inside with perfectly running engines.