Cooling Discuss all of the aspects of cooling that you can think of! Radiators, transmissions, electric fans, etc.

Radiator UV Dye ?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-21-2015, 04:18 PM
  #1  
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
 
Ron U.S.M.C.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern, CA
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Radiator UV Dye ?

I have been living with a small prestart radiator leak now for a long time and can't seem to pin it down.
I've searched a few times and I've changed caps twice but with no help.


I want to try the UV dye before I start pulling my hare out.
but I need to know how safe it is.


One dye says it's for Dexcool but I don't use that, so I'm looking at a universal one. Its only a few bucks and the UV Flashlight I want is $ 9.99 at Walmart.
So what do you think ? Has anyone used it yet and does it work ?


Thanks
Old 08-21-2015, 07:47 PM
  #2  
Supreme Member

 
paulo57509's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Tracy, CA
Posts: 3,178
Received 44 Likes on 38 Posts
Car: '87 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: Radiator UV Dye ?

I've only used UV dye in engine oil. Yes, it works in coolant but you need a pretty powerful UV light source to detect it, in my experience. Sunlight will work IF you can get it aimed in those dark corners.

I use distilled water mixed with RMI-25 in the cooling system of one of my other vehicles. RMI-25 comes with UV dye in it. UV light makes it glow like crazy.
Old 08-21-2015, 11:30 PM
  #3  
Supreme Member
 
TheExaminer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 92 Formula WS6, T-top
Engine: 5.7L T.P.I.
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Limited slip, 3.23 10 bolt
Re: Radiator UV Dye ?

I've used it, and seems ok. I got the kit at Autozone, light, glasses etc. I'm using it now to try to figure out this stupid fog on the windshield mess and where it's coming from. (See my "what the freak?" thread...)
Old 08-22-2015, 01:35 AM
  #4  
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
 
Ron U.S.M.C.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern, CA
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: Radiator UV Dye ?

If it will work I will be happy to add more tools to my ever growing arsenal.
I did not know there were glasses involved. I already have a nice UV flashlight picked out.
Thanks for the help guys.....
Old 08-22-2015, 12:02 PM
  #5  
Supreme Member
 
TheExaminer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 92 Formula WS6, T-top
Engine: 5.7L T.P.I.
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Limited slip, 3.23 10 bolt
Re: Radiator UV Dye ?

The glasses are no big deal, just cheap yellow tinted. If you're USMC, you probably own a pair of shooting glasses that would work.
Old 09-07-2015, 08:38 AM
  #6  
Member
 
JA411's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Re: Radiator UV Dye ?

Used dye for decades, easy way of checking system. Great for locating internal cracks.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sheachopper
Cooling
11
07-31-2019 11:27 AM
lanceflame44
Tech / General Engine
0
09-25-2015 12:28 PM



Quick Reply: Radiator UV Dye ?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:35 PM.