How long does dye test take to find oil leak?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
How long does dye test take to find oil leak?
Have a 2017 F150 3.5 ecoboost with the plastic oil pan. I’ve had the pan replaced before because of a leak. Went to change the oil the other day and it appears as if it is leaking again because there is oil on the bottom of the pan. Not enough to really drip and cause a puddle on my garage floor. Looks like a slow leak. Took it to the dealer that replaced the pan the first time and they said it doesn’t appear to be coming from the pan. They put a dye pack in and told me to drive it for 2 weeks and bring it back. Does this sound right? Should it take that long for the dye to show up?
#2
Senior Member
2 weeks seems excessive imo! I had that problem with my vette and drove it about 100 miles and they said bring it back in. With their UV light they tracked it down with no problem in a few minutes. So 2 weeks is over kill unless you hardly ever drive it? If you have daily use there's no way it should take 2 weeks imo.......
#3
Just check your oil frequently to make sure it’s not low during that wait.
Two weeks isnt excessive for a slow leak, in my opinion.
Since fluids will always travels down and back, they should be able to pinpoint just where it’s coming from.
Two weeks isnt excessive for a slow leak, in my opinion.
Since fluids will always travels down and back, they should be able to pinpoint just where it’s coming from.
#4
SSM 47550 - Multiple Vehicle Lines - Revised Engine Oil Leak Diagnostic Procedure Using New White Fluorescent Dye
To help differentiate engine oil leaks from other possible sources, a new white-colored fluorescent engine oil dye is available. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section303-00 has been revised to reference the new white-colored dye. The new white fluorescent dye provides a distinct white glow to identify engine oil leaks. The new white fluorescent dye requires a pure UV diagnostic inspection lamp. The white-colored fluorescent dye and pure UV lamp are now in the Rotunda catalog. Dye and lamp part numbers. Gasoline Only dye: 1 ounce bottle 164-TP-33200601. Diesel Only dye: 8 ounce bottle: 164-TP-3320-0008. Pure UV Diagnostic inspection lamp164-TP8695 or 164-R3748.
Workshop Manual (WSM), Section303-00
Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method
NOTE: If the factory fill engine oil with dye is present, change the engine oil and the oil filter prior to using the Dye-Lite® Oil-Based Fluid Dye (164-TP33200601).
NOTE: Oil leaks form drops of oil while seepage does not. Oil seepage is considered normal.
Use the UV Long-Wave W/12-foot Cord & Alligator Clips (164-R3748) or Leak Tracker UV-LED Leak Detection Flashlight (164-TP8695) to carry out the following procedure for oil leak diagnosis.
To help differentiate engine oil leaks from other possible sources, a new white-colored fluorescent engine oil dye is available. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section303-00 has been revised to reference the new white-colored dye. The new white fluorescent dye provides a distinct white glow to identify engine oil leaks. The new white fluorescent dye requires a pure UV diagnostic inspection lamp. The white-colored fluorescent dye and pure UV lamp are now in the Rotunda catalog. Dye and lamp part numbers. Gasoline Only dye: 1 ounce bottle 164-TP-33200601. Diesel Only dye: 8 ounce bottle: 164-TP-3320-0008. Pure UV Diagnostic inspection lamp164-TP8695 or 164-R3748.
Workshop Manual (WSM), Section303-00
Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method
NOTE: If the factory fill engine oil with dye is present, change the engine oil and the oil filter prior to using the Dye-Lite® Oil-Based Fluid Dye (164-TP33200601).
NOTE: Oil leaks form drops of oil while seepage does not. Oil seepage is considered normal.
Use the UV Long-Wave W/12-foot Cord & Alligator Clips (164-R3748) or Leak Tracker UV-LED Leak Detection Flashlight (164-TP8695) to carry out the following procedure for oil leak diagnosis.
- Add 29.6 ml (1 oz) of Dye-Lite® Oil-Based Fluid Dye (164-TP33200601) to a minimum of 0.47L (1/2 qt) and a maximum of 0.95L (1 qt) engine oil. Thoroughly premix the oil based fluid dye or it will not have enough time to reach the crankcase, oil galleries and seal surfaces during this particular 15 minute test. The additive must be added through the oil fill. Check the level on the oil level indicator to determine what amount of oil to premix. If it is in the middle of the crosshatch area or below the full mark, use 0.95L (1 qt). If it is at the full mark, use 0.47L (1/2 qt).
- NOTE: For best results allow the customer to drive the vehicle for a day. Run the engine for 15 minutes. Stop the engine and inspect all seal and gasket areas for leaks using the UV Leak Detector Kit. A fluoresces white area will identify the leak. For extremely small leaks, several hours may be required for the leak to appear.
- At the end of test, make sure the oil level is within the upper and lower oil indicator marks. Remove oil as necessary if it registers above the full mark.
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#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
SSM 47550 - Multiple Vehicle Lines - Revised Engine Oil Leak Diagnostic Procedure Using New White Fluorescent Dye
To help differentiate engine oil leaks from other possible sources, a new white-colored fluorescent engine oil dye is available. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section303-00 has been revised to reference the new white-colored dye. The new white fluorescent dye provides a distinct white glow to identify engine oil leaks. The new white fluorescent dye requires a pure UV diagnostic inspection lamp. The white-colored fluorescent dye and pure UV lamp are now in the Rotunda catalog. Dye and lamp part numbers. Gasoline Only dye: 1 ounce bottle 164-TP-33200601. Diesel Only dye: 8 ounce bottle: 164-TP-3320-0008. Pure UV Diagnostic inspection lamp164-TP8695 or 164-R3748.
Workshop Manual (WSM), Section303-00
Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method
NOTE: If the factory fill engine oil with dye is present, change the engine oil and the oil filter prior to using the Dye-Lite® Oil-Based Fluid Dye (164-TP33200601).
NOTE: Oil leaks form drops of oil while seepage does not. Oil seepage is considered normal.
Use the UV Long-Wave W/12-foot Cord & Alligator Clips (164-R3748) or Leak Tracker UV-LED Leak Detection Flashlight (164-TP8695) to carry out the following procedure for oil leak diagnosis.
To help differentiate engine oil leaks from other possible sources, a new white-colored fluorescent engine oil dye is available. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section303-00 has been revised to reference the new white-colored dye. The new white fluorescent dye provides a distinct white glow to identify engine oil leaks. The new white fluorescent dye requires a pure UV diagnostic inspection lamp. The white-colored fluorescent dye and pure UV lamp are now in the Rotunda catalog. Dye and lamp part numbers. Gasoline Only dye: 1 ounce bottle 164-TP-33200601. Diesel Only dye: 8 ounce bottle: 164-TP-3320-0008. Pure UV Diagnostic inspection lamp164-TP8695 or 164-R3748.
Workshop Manual (WSM), Section303-00
Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method
NOTE: If the factory fill engine oil with dye is present, change the engine oil and the oil filter prior to using the Dye-Lite® Oil-Based Fluid Dye (164-TP33200601).
NOTE: Oil leaks form drops of oil while seepage does not. Oil seepage is considered normal.
Use the UV Long-Wave W/12-foot Cord & Alligator Clips (164-R3748) or Leak Tracker UV-LED Leak Detection Flashlight (164-TP8695) to carry out the following procedure for oil leak diagnosis.
- Add 29.6 ml (1 oz) of Dye-Lite® Oil-Based Fluid Dye (164-TP33200601) to a minimum of 0.47L (1/2 qt) and a maximum of 0.95L (1 qt) engine oil. Thoroughly premix the oil based fluid dye or it will not have enough time to reach the crankcase, oil galleries and seal surfaces during this particular 15 minute test. The additive must be added through the oil fill. Check the level on the oil level indicator to determine what amount of oil to premix. If it is in the middle of the crosshatch area or below the full mark, use 0.95L (1 qt). If it is at the full mark, use 0.47L (1/2 qt).
- NOTE: For best results allow the customer to drive the vehicle for a day. Run the engine for 15 minutes. Stop the engine and inspect all seal and gasket areas for leaks using the UV Leak Detector Kit. A fluoresces white area will identify the leak. For extremely small leaks, several hours may be required for the leak to appear.
- At the end of test, make sure the oil level is within the upper and lower oil indicator marks. Remove oil as necessary if it registers above the full mark.