UV dyes

[ilovedmymantas]

I bought a pocket uv torch recently mainly to check where the aircon had leaked, (already has a dye in it), and to assess if it was worth more money being spent on it.

Thanks to 'recommended products' I later stumbled across other dyes for all the fluids - and it's safe to leave them in the system.Why have I never heard of this!

https://www.ringautomotive.com/files/my ... ection.pdf

rld3 seems the most versatile.
It could be used to check sunroof and drains etc but you could also mix up a couple of pints and pour it in the scuttle to check for interior leaks.

With all the liquid-related stuff asking to be done to my car this year (fuel filter/oil level sensor, oil & filter/brake pipes & fluid/reverse flush the coolant & heating system) I'm seriously thinking about buying rld 2/3/4.
https://www.ringautomotive.com/files/my ... 20Oils.pdf
It looks like a win-win to me.
If the new parts leak I'll know right away, If they don't, the dye is in the system(s) ready for the next leak

Although not free, like the paperclip test for electrical problems, this looks like a diagnostic solution for quickly finding fluid leaks to me.

Any thoughts?

[Robsey]

I suppose the rule of checking that the dyes don't do any visible staining apply, especially if considering leaks into the cabin area. As in roof linings and carpets.

My main leak issues are usually visible, such as coolant and oil leaks.

Not sure if it is cost effective for a diy user, that may call up it once in a blue moon.
Assuming that once it has done it's job, the UV dye test gear will end up at the back of a cupboard collecting dust.

Very useful if you run a fleet of cars like James, or plan on doing leakage detection as a source of income.

Very interesting though for future reference.

[ilovedmymantas]

I suppose the rule of checking that the dyes don't do any visible staining apply, especially if considering leaks into the cabin area. As in roof linings and carpets.

Thanks for thinking of that possibility, I overlooked it
I'll need to look into that, I don't mind lifting the carpets for a scuttle test but I don't really want to disturb the untouched head-lining.

Not sure if it is cost effective for a diy user, that may call up it once in a blue moon.
Assuming that once it has done it's job, the UV dye test gear will end up at the back of a cupboard collecting dust.

My apologies, once again I've not explained myself very well

The links were for information & example.
I didn't price the 'parts' from there so the amounts shown will be higher than single units.

The best price I've found for single cars is:

rld 2 - coolant system,
rld 4 - brakes/oil/fuel.

£9.94 + post from https://www.demon-tweeks.com/ring-uv-dy ... lsrc=aw.ds

rld3 - for water ingress.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Ring-Automotiv ... 1348790373

£6.97 * free post

The 395nm uv torch with zoom cost under £3 (china) so all in around £20.

a bit random. Take one with you when you walk the dog at night, It's an unseen world!

[Robsey]

No worries Matt,

I took the post as information, and probably over analysed it.
(I do that a lot.)

I didn't look into the price either, but simply assumed (I do too much of that too) that, what I considered to be quite specialised equipment would be expensive.

In the grand scheme of things, that isn't expensive at all.
Ihave thrown a lot more money than that at pointless excercises.

So to clarify my viewpoint -
It does look a very cost-effective solution to a very common Cavalier weakness.

But I suppose the advice as always is to read all instructions, and caution notes before setting about the car.

As for a UV light at night, I am sure it is a total revelation of the 'unseen' world that surrounds us.