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Date:         Mon, 12 Aug 1996 15:18:14 CST6CDT
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Dan Houg" <fairwind@northernnet.com>
Subject:      Oil Leak Detection

This is an old post but repeated for the new people and those of us with less than stellar memories.

I've used UV leak detection about 5 times now and must say that it is very effective in pinpointing the exact location of the leak. Simply, a fluorescent dye tracer is added to the oil, the engine started, and using a black light (UV) the tracer-laced oil can be seen emerging from the offending structure.

It has impressed the VW dealer here in town and they now use it on their own irrascable leaks, calling me up to borrow my UV light.

A couple notes:

the tracer-laced oil mixes quickly and comes out in a visible manner quickly. usually in a matter of seconds. it is impressive.

also, it is inexpensive *if* one has a UV light. tracer dye can be purchased at FLAPS for about $4 a small vial and 1/2 the vial is an effective dose. so it works out to about $2 per test.

if you can't immediately pinpoint the leak and UV glowing oil is all over the place, one can start over by simply cleaning the offending area with carb cleaner and compressed air. then restart the engine and watch again. no need to re-dose the oil as the tracer will be good until the oil is dumped out. or leaks out :-)

UV lights range in price. the best for this type of work is a 200 watt focused spot. these puppies run several hundred dollars. prices go down from there, the cheapest being a handheld unit that runs on AA batteries. it costs about $30 and needs to be used close to the work and in a dim work area.

-dan


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