C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Oil leak...blacklight use

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Old May 5, 2003 | 10:06 PM
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BIG K's Avatar
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Default Oil leak...blacklight use

Has anyone used a blacklight and additive to the oil to locate an oil leak?

Is there anything special that I need to do?

How many miles before I check with the blacklight?

Any special place or way that I need to look in order to find the leak?

I hear a sizzle like something is dripping and burning on the drivers side by the recat.

Any thoughts?
Thanks
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Old May 5, 2003 | 10:11 PM
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Default Re: Oil leak...blacklight use (BIG K)

I used a UV leak detection kit for the first time over the winter to nail down a leak. The kit works. Just add the correct solution to your oil, let in run for a few minutes, maybe even take it out for a spin, put on the UV glasses, turn on the light source and follow the lime green oil leak :yesnod:
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Old May 5, 2003 | 10:19 PM
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Default Re: Oil leak...blacklight use (BIG K)

I've used it many times and it works. I think I would let the engine idle and check for leaks, if you drive it the oil may blow around and make it more difficult to find. It doesn't take long to find the leak, so I would start looking as soon as you start the engine. I would also check it in a low light enviroment, makes the tracer dye easier to see.
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Old May 5, 2003 | 10:55 PM
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Default Re: Oil leak...blacklight use (chucks88)

Glasses? Maybe I did something wrong.

I got the dye and I bought a blacklight bulb.

Why do you need glasses?

Did I get the wrong stuff??? :eek:
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Old May 6, 2003 | 07:43 AM
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Default Re: Oil leak...blacklight use (BIG K)

You have everything you need. Don't look directly into the light though.
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Old May 6, 2003 | 07:50 AM
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Default Re: Oil leak...blacklight use (Stingray1970)

You have everything you need. Don't look directly into the light though.
Talk to me about this black light method of spotting a leak. How much does a blacklight kit cost? What about the dye? Will it work in power steering systems? So many questions :crazy:

:flag :flag :flag
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Old May 6, 2003 | 08:17 AM
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Default Re: Oil leak...blacklight use (BIG K)

Glasses? Maybe I did something wrong.
Probably not. My kit happened to include glasses to more easily find the lime solution leaking.
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Old May 6, 2003 | 08:22 AM
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Default Re: Oil leak...blacklight use (BIG K)

I have used this to find refrigerant leaks in the HVAC trade. It works pretty good.
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Old May 6, 2003 | 09:23 AM
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Default Re: Oil leak...blacklight use (BIG K)

how much does the dye cost and where can i buy it at?i seem to have a leak in the back of my motor and when my car reaches 210 i can see a few puffs of smoke come from under the hood.
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Old May 6, 2003 | 09:32 AM
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From: Woodland Ca
Default Re: Oil leak...blacklight use (SOVAIN1)

I bought the Fluid from my local dealer's part department...nobody in town had it-less than $8.00.
I found the bulb that would fit into my shoplight...less than $3.00.
I will let you know what happens
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Old May 6, 2003 | 10:16 AM
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Default Re: Oil leak...blacklight use (SOVAIN1)

I buy the dye from NAPA. 765-2661 oil dye, 765-2662 trans. dye, 765-2663 coolant dye, 765-2664 R-12 and 765-2665 R-134A dye. The pricing varies, but it usually is under $ 5.00 per bottle. They have a UV light , but it is expensive. I'm looking in a Matco Tool catalog and they show two and they work off of 12V. ( car battery ). One of our mechanics has one and he paid around $ 80.00 for it, and it works great. I'd imagine all the professional tool dealers would have one i.e. Snap On, Mack, Cornwell.
Hope this helps
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Old May 14, 2003 | 11:20 AM
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Default Re: Oil leak...blacklight use (Stingray1970)

Is it safe to leave the dye in the engine or should an oil change be done ASAP after leak is detected?? Thanks
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Old May 14, 2003 | 10:09 PM
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Default Re: Oil leak...blacklight use (Frodo)

You can leave it in, won't hurt a thing. I would only change the oil if it is due or if the engine was opened up, contamination being the concern there.
Gene
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