Green corrosion - Source?

[Spikidave]

Here's something I'm curious about, whilst checking all the nooks and crannies of my 1200GS for general wear and tear, cleanliness etc.... I noticed some green corrosion and I can't for the life of me work out it's source. The corrosion is located above the left hand cylinder, on the left hand side of the rear teleliver fulcrum casing, just where there's a screw which would appear to be an earthing screw with an earth tab connected. The only way I can see it is with a tourch pointing to top of the left hand cylinder towards the left of centre of the teleliver fulcrum casing through a small cavity between the panels. I just can't work out what would have caused it.

It can't be battery acid as the battery is lower and a short distance away.
I don't think it can be brake or clutch fluid as I've had no leaks, but then I am the second owner, so it may have happened previously.
I't may have been petrol, but I can't see it causing this kind of damage and I would have thought it would have just evaperated.
It could be salt which hasn't been removed, although it's in quite a hidden place for salt to get to. But I guess if it does get there, it would be difficult to notice and wash off. I wonder, does salt turn alluminium green when it corrodes from salt ingression?
I have to admit,it's got me stumped.
Now I'm left wondering, how long has it been there, should I take urgent measures to get it off a.s.a.p, has it done any long term damage.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this, if so was the cause identified and what was the outcome.

I'm taking my bike to the dealers tomorrow to have the Ignition antenna replaced under warranty and wondering whether I should also mention this to them.

Any comment, positive or negative would be appreciated.

Thanks Spiki

[pdxrmccgs]

Most green corrosion I recall seeing is usually related to copper
battery cables and the electrochemistry of a battery. I think I've seen
the green (usually kind of a slime) referred to as a "salt" of copper.

I would throw some baking soda on the effected area and just watch it.

Post a picture would help...

[RickC]

Originally Posted by pdxrmccgs

Most green corrosion I recall seeing is usually related to copper
battery cables and the electrochemistry of a battery. I think I've seen
the green (usually kind of a slime) referred to as a "salt" of copper.

I would throw some baking soda on the effected area and just watch it.

Post a picture would help...

+1 on copper as a source.

[Spikidave]

I will try and get some photo's, but it's in a difficult place to get a good angle, but will have a go anyway.

[pdxrmccgs]

The "aluminum" is a aluminum alloy and what it consists of
is probably a state secret....but one of the alloy elements along with
the aluminum could be giving up the green.

[RickC]

Originally Posted by pdxrmccgs

The "aluminum" is a aluminum alloy and what it consists of
is probably a state secret....but one of the alloy elements along with
the aluminum could be giving up the green.

Most aluminum Alloy has between 1-2% copper by weight, but it does not precipitate out and corrode green. Aluminum corrodes to a white powder.

[Spikidave]

Sorry for not replying sooner and thanks for your responses. I din't get a chance to take any photo's before I took the bike to the dealership where they replaced the ignition antenna and fuel pump controller for me both under warranty. They looked at the goo for me as they could not initially confirm where it came from. When I get the bike back I was told that they had cleaned up the area again under warranty and said no more. However when I got the bike home and had a look the goo had turned bright blue. So here's my theory. The green goo may have been sealant such as instant gasket to protect the earthing strip from corrosion or prevent furthercorrosion. The dealership removed the green instant gasket, cleaned up the area and sealed it again with blue instant gasket type goo. It is difficult to see, so a photo would probably not have been possible as it's so far recessed.
Still knowing that the dealership hashada look, puts my mind at rest that all's well

[RickC]

Originally Posted by Spikidave

to protect the earthing strip from corrosion or prevent furthercorrosion.

There is the source of your green corrosion, it is the copper connector on the "as the Brits say" earthing cable. If they sealed it at the dealer it's good to go.