The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop How to find oil leak location

I have oil leaks at both the front and rear of my 235. I think they are both coming from the oil pan seals, but I am not sure since oil gets blown everywhere while I am driving. What is a good way to determine the exact location of the leak??

tree91!

The first and easiest thing, in my opinion, would be to spray that engine with an emulsifier, like 'gunk' or other product, then use a high pressure washer to get it good and clean. Take it for a slow drive (so you don't get blowback) for a couple of blocks, then have a look. We used to do something like that with airplane engines. Washed them down with 'varsol' then ran them up to find out where the leak was.
If that doesn't produce anything then-----somebody else will have an idea.

Had a problem like that with a D---e product. Small leak making a big mess on the driveway! Finally found the oil pressure transmitter leaking after washing the engine down!

Clean the area well, let it dry, and then get a can of woman's aerosol underarm deoderant with baby powder and spray the area. As soon as it starts to leak, you'll see it. Jarge, wouldn't it be great if everything had dye like 80 and 100LL.

rd! Great idea. I'm sure that deodorant trick will work well.

Yep, dyes like they have in those fuels would be good wouldn't it.

An old time mechanic showed be that trick, although you do feel a little strange buying it... good thing to send the wife in for.

at night with a light you can see things you miss in the daylight try it

Sounds like the 2 typical crancshaft leak locations on the 235s. Main seal in the back and the seal on the cam gear cover.

Frank

The deoderant thing sounds genius. I will try that tonight.

I guess it won't smell like a Stovebolt anymore !

So I tried it. The deoderant thing is better in theory than in practice. And the smell...I swear that I heard my truck ask me if I was going to paint it pink, too.

Look for the highest wet spot, after doing a thorough cleanup. Oil doesn't leak uphill! I've seen fuel pumps leak through the small pressure vent hole in the casting near the operating rod, but only at highway speed. There's not enough air volume or speed when parked to siphon oil out of the hole!
Jerry