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Determining Oil Leak Source

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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 12:24 PM
  #1  
DyingYoung138's Avatar
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From: Maryville, TN
Car: '86 Trans Am
Engine: 305 H.O.
Transmission: 700r4
Determining Oil Leak Source

I'm thoroughly confident I'm leaking from the rear main seal, but I have traces of oil all over the place... especially the driveway. Having to add 1 qrt every few days. The leak is horrible.

What I'm asking is what is the best way to determine exactly where this leak is coming from and what has to be done to replace the rear main seal if that is the case?

Thanks in advance.
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 04:32 PM
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paulo57509's Avatar
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From: Tracy, CA
Car: '87 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: Determining Oil Leak Source

UV dye added to the engine oil will pin point the leak is in the shortest amount of time. You'll have to invest in dye and a UV light source.

Google leak check dye should return sources of supply.

Those cheap UV penlights they sell at Vatozone with those A/C leak/charge kits will work. The UV lights work best in darkness.
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 06:48 PM
  #3  
DyingYoung138's Avatar
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From: Maryville, TN
Car: '86 Trans Am
Engine: 305 H.O.
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Determining Oil Leak Source

I'll ignore the sarcasm...
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 09:23 PM
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Re: Determining Oil Leak Source

Originally Posted by DyingYoung138
I'll ignore the sarcasm...
What sarcasm? Thats how many of us full time mechanics handle it when we have an engine covered in oil. You can get the uv dye at autozone.
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Old Feb 1, 2009 | 11:17 PM
  #5  
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From: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Car: 1984 Camaro Z28 T-tops
Engine: 350
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Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Determining Oil Leak Source

Good for coolant leaks as well, if I'm not mistaken.
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Old Feb 2, 2009 | 06:52 AM
  #6  
DyingYoung138's Avatar
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From: Maryville, TN
Car: '86 Trans Am
Engine: 305 H.O.
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Determining Oil Leak Source

Eh, it seemed a little farfetched for me and felt like he was poking fun. Thanks though. How much does the die usually cost?
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Old Feb 2, 2009 | 06:24 PM
  #7  
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Re: Determining Oil Leak Source

Originally Posted by DyingYoung138
Eh, it seemed a little farfetched for me and felt like he was poking fun. Thanks though. How much does the die usually cost?
The dye is relatively cheap, maybe 4-5 dollars. A good UV light is around 25 bucks usually. You can use one of the little ones that come with UV kits for AC systems. If you an get your car on jackstands in a garage and wait till its dark, check it with the lights off. You will get best results this way.
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