Finding an oil leak using dye?

[sickquad]

So, I've been chasing an oil leak for a while from the top of my NEW motor with mostly new components on it.

My father told me he heard of adding a dye to your oil, then shining a flourescent light on it will make the dye show up when it leaks and you can trace it back. Anyone seen this or done this? Seems logical, just wondering if it will really work though.

I am at the point where I will do anything to fix my leak.

-Chris

 

[pvfjr]

I've heard it too, but never known anyone that did it.

 

[ben427]

Do It quite often at the dealership. mainly to find hydraulic leaks though. I cant see why it wouldnt work for an engine oil leak though.

 

[abcjames]

Used it many times with great success. Trick is having low light area and a decent blacklight. Also the yellow goggles help.

 

[sickquad]

Anybody got a brand name? AutoZone, Pepboys and Consumer Auto Parts have no idea what it is. I saw one for A/C systems at WalMart, not oil though.

-Chris

 

[big jimmy 91]

Try asking a dealer , someone may help /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

 

[ryoken]

JC Whitney has em.... and any decent autoparts store can get em...

 

[sickquad]

http://www.tracerline.com/dyesforfluids_all-in-one.html

Found the site if anyone is interested.

-Chris

 

[K5MONSTERCHEV]

Yeah that stuff works great, I think Eastwood sells a kit also.

 

[POWERMAD]

I just order it through parts where I work, add it to the oil , let it sit running on high idle for a bit then shine the black light on whatever I am tracing.
Works everytime. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[diesel4me]

Chase chevrolet in middleboro used that method in their service department(I used to sell them the dye at the parts store years ago)--but they are now Mgee chevrolet or something,Chase sold out after 75 years in buissiness,not sure if they use the same method or not,probably most of the modern dealers near me on rt.44 use the dye and ultraviolet light leak detection.Might be pricey though--I'd get an estimate first,I've heard some horror stories about some of those dealerships. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif