General Procedures - Engine Oil Leak Check

1. Before performing this procedure, clean the cylinder block, cylinder heads, valve covers, oil pan and flywheel/flexplate with a suitable solvent to remove all traces of oil.

Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method

1. 1
   Some fluid seepage is acceptable and is considered a characteristic of the component's seal, depending on the component, system or fluid it seals. These are referred to as weeping or seepage.
2. 2
   Weeping: Weeping is detected during inspection in the dark, showing a continuous yellow trace (crystal color) at the gasket joint or sealing surface, and is characterized by no oil being detected under white light inspection. Weeping is not acceptable for fuel, brake or transmission lines. Weeping is acceptable for all other areas.

   

3. 3
   Seepage: Seepage is considered more pronounced than weeping, but not sufficient to cause dripping. When wiped, moisture must not reappear before operation is resumed. Seepage is the detection of oil under black light inspection and is characterized by the detection of oil under white light inspection, resulting in staining on the seal and adjacent flange. Seepage is not acceptable for fuel, brake or transmission lines, in visible areas under the hood, or under the vehicle. Seepage is acceptable around engine ventilation components, such as PCV components and oil filler caps.

   

4. 4
   Leak: A leak is the detection of oil under black light inspection and is characterized by the detection of oil under white light inspection, resulting in accumulation of oil drops and/or puddle formation. All leaks are considered unacceptable.

   

5. 5
   Use long-wave UV light with the 12-foot cord and alligator clips (164-R3748) or the UV LED leak detection flashlight (164-TP8695) to perform the following engine oil leak diagnosis procedure.
6. 6
   Add 29.6 ml (1 oz) of Dye-Lite® Oil-Based Liquid Dye (164-TP33200601) to a minimum of 0.5 L and a maximum of 0.9 L of engine oil. Thoroughly pre-mix the oil-based liquid dye, otherwise it will not reach the sump, oil galleries and sealing surfaces during this specific 15-minute test. The additive must be added through the oil filler. Check the level using the oil level indicator to determine how much oil must be pre-mixed. If it is in the middle of the shaded area or below the full mark, use 0.9 L. If it is at the full mark, use 0.5 L.
7. 7
   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 white fluorescent area identifies a leak. For extremely small leaks, it may take several hours for the leak to appear.
8. 8
   At the end of the inspection, make sure the oil level is within the upper and lower marks on the oil level indicator. If necessary, remove oil if the level is registered above the full mark.