Oil Leak Dye

[BlueOvalFitter]

My dads 06 Lincoln TC's oil leak has come back again. But, it's not that bad. He wants to get it fixed though.
I did a search on oil dye and NAPA and AZ sell it. Has anyone used dye to find an oil leak? It seems straight forward but any advice or tips are greatly appreciated.
Also, after the leak has been found does the oil have to be changed immediately?

 

[Olas]

It can be helpful sometimes, but the only leak dye I've used required a blacklight to make the dye glow. I didn't have a blacklight

Since then I've always preferred to use brake cleaner and a rag, then run it and watch for leaks. Saves money on dye, and, who hasn't got any brake cleaner laying around?!

 

[Donald]

I bought a kit awhile ago with a black light and a few dyes and funky yellow glasses. You will need a UV, which you can get a cheap UV bulb at HomeDepot.

The dye can stay in. No harm to engine.

But cleaning things up usually can be helpful in finding the leak.

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

Originally Posted By: BlueOvalFitter
My dads 06 Lincoln TC's oil leak has come back again. But, it's not that bad. He wants to get it fixed though.
I did a search on oil dye and NAPA and AZ sell it. Has anyone used dye to find an oil leak? It seems straight forward but any advice or tips are greatly appreciated.
Also, after the leak has been found does the oil have to be changed immediately?

Opinions?
http://stopsleaks.blogspot.com/2013/06/atp-at-205-re-seal-stops-leaks.html

 

[bds1984]

I used the oil dye to find a leak on a 2CV a few years ago and the only piece of advice I could give you is to make sure the engine is good and hot before inspecting for the glowing leaks. Also, make sure you get the goggles and UV light, the combination of the two will greatly aid in finding small leaks.

I used the same glasses and light to find a leak on my Crown Victoria's a/c system and it showed up fairly well.

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

We added the dye and used a uv light to check. We "think" it's coming from the rear seal and/or the oil pan. My dad wants to try some Valvoline MaxLife first before doing anything mechanical.
Being there is dye in the oil now, will it harm anything to run the engine with it in there or does the oil need to be changed soon?

 

[Challenger71]

absolutely no harm retaining that oil in there.

Originally Posted By: BlueOvalFitter
We added the dye and used a uv light to check. We "think" it's coming from the rear seal and/or the oil pan. My dad wants to try some Valvoline MaxLife first before doing anything mechanical.
Being there is dye in the oil now, will it harm anything to run the engine with it in there or does the oil need to be changed soon?