UV Oil Leak Detection

[dasadrew]

Just had the annual service done on the Vantage and was surprised that an "Oil Additive" was on the bill. The dealer explained that it is an ultraviolet dye which they add during each oil change so that, during the next service, they can see if there have been any leaks - however small.

Probably I'm the last to hear of this method being used as a regular maintenance item - but thought it could be useful for our Stags (hence posting it in SOC Forum). Would have sure helped me find a minimal leak round the oil pump / transfer housing / rear rocker cover area.

Drew

[Ctwidle]

I found the stuff to be very useful when trying to find where my coolant was going. It was oozing out behind numbers 3 and 5 manifold and evaporating before it hit the garage floor. The green stains were a comfort in some way as I at least knew it wasn’t getting into a cylinder. Even after a head gasket job there is still a slight weep there which I am hoping will be reduced even further when I have done enough miles to make it worth retorquing. Wishful thinking?
Chris

[Mark Serj]

Get it re-torqued Chris. If its done a few heat cycles crack on! Recommend lowering the coolant below level of head joints first before release and retorque of fasteners.

[barkerwilliams]

When I have used it you have to be careful that you have checked all the areas you are interested in with UV lamp before you add the additive.

You may well be surprised by how may "false positives" you get before the additive is added due to previous use and probably glow-in-the-dark road dirt.

So if you are interested in using it first clean the area and check with a UV torch ( a couple of £'s off ebay). Once there is no UV response from the area then use the additive.

Alan