chasing oil leaks

[ling102]

I have a 1967 Coronet RT Clone. The car is a 440 with a 727 auto. I have an oil leak that is ending up on the exhaust.
I know that everything has to be cleaned that is now oil covered to possibly find the leak.
Has anyone on this forum used the dye and light method in the oil to find the leak?

 

[Daves69]

Since you add the trans in the post I question if you are discussing engine oil or transmission fluid.

Assuming engine oil...……..

Where is the oil hitting the exhaust?

Valve cover and or gaskets would be my first look. Tightening may slow a leak but not likely to stop it.

Is your PCV system functioning?

Any oil coming from around the base of the fill cap or vent cap?

Valley pan corners under the hold down bars are possible.

Is oil pooling on top of the valley pan?

Oil pressure sending unit leak?

Oil gauge line leak (if equipped)?

 

[65-440]

Yes, the UV dye works well.. clean everything off and Give it time to work it's way into the system. Need to proper light to go with it too

 

[dvw]

Plug the breather. Connect between 3-5 psi air into the PCV hose to the valve cover. Use soapy water and watch for the bubbles. It's cheap, fast, and fool proof.
Doug

 

[ling102]

Thanks for the response guys. I will be purchasing the uv light as soon as time allows. I will keep you posted.

 

[dvw]

You

Thanks for the response guys. I will be purchasing the uv light as soon as time allows. I will keep you posted.

Don't purchase a light. We used to use it at the dealer. Air and the soap water bottle is cheap and easier. I've used both.
Doug

 

[65-440]

You

Don't purchase a light. We used to use it at the dealer. Air and the soap water bottle is cheap and easier. I've used both.
Doug

air and soap is cool if you know what you're doing, but can easily cause a **** load of headaches !

 

[65-440]

this will work and cheapo
https://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-F...s=uv+light&dpPl=1&dpID=51AeEIbeAwL&ref=plSrch

 

[ling102]

Thanks guys, I already purchased the light. I will advise on the outcome!

 

[Dibbons]

Plug the breather. Connect between 3-5 psi air into the PCV hose to the valve cover. Use soapy water and watch for the bubbles. It's cheap, fast, and fool proof.
Doug

I used a hair dryer attached to the valve cover vent (that has the hose to the air cleaner). Then I put a fuel line hose up to my ear, and listen for the escape of air at various possible leak points. Found an oil pan gasket seal leak in less than a minute using this method. i had thought it was a rear main seal leak, but no, it was the rear rubber seal on the oil pan. Hint: You might want to plug the oil dipstick tube, because air will always escape from there.

 

[dvw]

air and soap is cool if you know what you're doing, but can easily cause a **** load of headaches !

You want to explain the headaches? We use this method quite often.
Doug

 

[65-440]

You want to explain the headaches? We use this method quite often.
Doug

Too much pressure and seals Will blow out...... those headaches

 

[dvw]

Too much pressure and seals Will blow out...... those headaches

If you read post #4 it states 3-5 psi. Have you ever used this method? Have you "blown a seal out"? I'll bet the answer is no to both questions.
Doug

 

[65-440]

If you read post #4 it states 3-5 psi. Have you ever used this method? Have you "blown a seal out"? I'll bet the answer is no to both questions.
Doug

And if you read post #7 you'll see I said that method is cool if you know what you're doing ... it's easy for a person who's never done it to go to far with air pressure and **** something up, seen it before ...
AND ... yes I've done it before and been successful, but i also earn my living diagnosing and repairing customers cars everyday. I know what I'm doing. Same method works for finding exhaust leaks that are causing O2 codes .....