View Full Version : Fluorescent Dye
davekp
10-22-2020, 07:46 AM
Has anyone used the fluorescent dye you add to the oil to find a leak?
Bob Cowan
10-22-2020, 08:27 AM
Yes. It worked well, and I found a small leak at the rear through the O-ring on the oil filter block.
Yes, but never saw a need on a passenger car. Most of the fluids used on a typical passenger car are different enough to determine the source.
But if that's not the case with your application then you may want to invest in a fluorescent dye marker. When I was a Reliability Team Mgr at Disney, we'd use dye to detect which attraction vehicle was leaking oil on the track. Here's some info on how dyes are used: https://www.knowyourparts.com/technical-resources/tools/fluorescent-dye-leak-detection-benefit-heavy-duty-fleet/
davekp
10-22-2020, 01:24 PM
Yes, but never saw a need on a passenger car. Most of the fluids used on a typical passenger car are different enough to determine the source.
But if that's not the case with your application then you may want to invest in a fluorescent dye marker. When I was a Reliability Team Mgr at Disney, we'd use dye to detect which attraction vehicle was leaking oil on the track. Here's some info on how dyes are used: https://www.knowyourparts.com/technical-resources/tools/fluorescent-dye-leak-detection-benefit-heavy-duty-fleet/
I know it's engine oil, just not 100% where it's coming from.
FLPBFoot
10-22-2020, 03:23 PM
Yes I've used it and it's GREAT!. I thought I had only one leak and turned out to be 3 separate ones. It is very useful when you are trying to track down oil leaks on the back of the engine. I had one on a valve cover, one on the intake and then one at the back of the oil pan. As I torqued each and wiped they sealed up one at a time and made it easy to track each one and make sure all were gone.
Steve
CraigS
10-24-2020, 07:44 AM
i have not used oil dye but the Ac freon dye w/ a black light is fantastic.
Jetfuel
10-24-2020, 08:53 AM
The additives in synthetic oils will glow without dye
Turn the lights off in the garage and wait at least two minutes for your eyes to get used to the dark environment then get to find the leak
IIR the maximum white light for dye inspection is 1 candle power so it’s got to be pretty dark