Dyes for tracing engine oil leakage?

[osama.tahir1992]

I'm looking for engine oil dye products online but couldn't find a single local website offering any. Basically, an engine oil dye is a liquid that you can add to your engine and then use a UV light to detect leakage points. It's a simple DIY method for tracing any seepages.

It's insane we're so backward that these products aren't even available here and mechanics resort to removing your entire friggin' engine just to detect one minor seepage.

Does anyone have any info about finding products like these anywhere in this god forsaken country?

Would really appreciate any leads.

Thanks!

[hash4u]

visual inspection
with combination of experience and common sense works here

anyways in my opinion tracing coolant leaks can be tricky at times not oil

[Xulfiqar]

With toyota, honda and suzuki genuine coolant the trace is very easy to see, it looks like colourful rock formation.

With havoline it looks like black oil staining which mysteriously washes away clean with plain water only.

For engine oils, in Pakistan i used to use talcum powder, (the cheapest type that you buy by weight in plastic bags)

Smack some on the area, use a strong light and see the wetness/dampness.

In usa the dye is available easily and i still use talcum for oil check, use that dye for ac leaks and hydraulic leaks though.

[osama.tahir1992]

Thanks man! Didn't think of the talcum powder method. That sounds promising. I don't think my car has a leak but since seals always wear down after a while, I was just concerned that I should have the tools available to do it in time.