I stopped by Pep Boys today to get a nail in a tire fixed and thought i'd ask about getting some oil uv dye to try to find out where i have developed my leak. The guy told me they absolutely dont sell it there. Why? Legal issues? Possible contamination with engine oil? He really didnt give me a solid answer but was serious about it not being available. Said they use it in the back for diagnosis and would be glad give me a sample to use bit its monitored almost like a hazmat material. Was i getting BS's or is there a legit reason. Did a google search and a Carquest parts store just miles down the road sells all kinds of uv dyes kits to add to all the different types of fluids. Whats up Pep Boys a$$ ?
Whats up with UV dye for engine oil?
- Thread starter Fla02LS
- Start date
oddball
Dedicated LVC Member
Engine oil leaks are usually pretty easy to locate. Just clean the area and look for the highest/most forward gasket point.
Dyes are much more useful for A/C work because the gas doesn't leave behind a residue from where it leaks. If it's a huge leak then you'll see some A/C oil.
Dyes are much more useful for A/C work because the gas doesn't leave behind a residue from where it leaks. If it's a huge leak then you'll see some A/C oil.
I just go to pep boys to buy products. They carry a bigger variety otherwise most item i get are from Wally World.
The reason i am having a problem is with 185k miles on the engine there are mulitple locations of "leakege", i.e sensor in valve cover, oil fill tube etc. Im sure there are plenty of gaskets/seals that are worn on an '05 with that many miles. But none of those are the source of the leak i am looking for. With the amount of highway driving i do there is alot of oil being blown around so everything looks oily. My plan was to wash the underside real good to get most of the residue off, then add the dye and see where it leads me. Looks more towards the front (oil filter area) or pan gasket rather than higher up like a main seal or VCG. Already had the oil filter adapter replaced, might be a bad seal from that repair, might be a bad gasket on my last oil filter, million possibilities. The leak is most prominent after it sits overnight. If i do an afternoon of driving and park then check an hour or so later there wont be anything. Check in the morning and there is a small puddle. Its nothing major YET, just wanting to get an idea on my own as to where its coming from. At this point other than leaving little half dollar size drip marks on my driveway i dont mind just topping it off every week or so.
The reason i am having a problem is with 185k miles on the engine there are mulitple locations of "leakege", i.e sensor in valve cover, oil fill tube etc. Im sure there are plenty of gaskets/seals that are worn on an '05 with that many miles. But none of those are the source of the leak i am looking for. With the amount of highway driving i do there is alot of oil being blown around so everything looks oily. My plan was to wash the underside real good to get most of the residue off, then add the dye and see where it leads me. Looks more towards the front (oil filter area) or pan gasket rather than higher up like a main seal or VCG. Already had the oil filter adapter replaced, might be a bad seal from that repair, might be a bad gasket on my last oil filter, million possibilities. The leak is most prominent after it sits overnight. If i do an afternoon of driving and park then check an hour or so later there wont be anything. Check in the morning and there is a small puddle. Its nothing major YET, just wanting to get an idea on my own as to where its coming from. At this point other than leaving little half dollar size drip marks on my driveway i dont mind just topping it off every week or so.