UV Leak Detection Anyone?

CosmicBike · Apr 21st, 2022, 22:39

My V70 is slowly losing coolant, slow enough that I can't see it, fast enough to be a concern in the longer term. I'm confident it's not the head gasket, so was thinking about trying one of these UV detection kits, placing the dye in the coolant and then using a UV torch to pin down the leak.
Has anyone used one before, or able to recommend one? The usual places do, as usual, have very hit and miss reviews....

VOLVOBOY · Apr 26th, 2022, 14:18

Hi.
I wouldn`t have thought a dye was necessary . If there is antifreeze in the coolant it will be quite easy to spot the coloured water if it is dripping or collecting anywhere. Look for a crusty build-up around hose clamps or gaskets.
The most likely candidates are the O-Rings on the pipes going into the heater matrix ( look for signs of damp carpet UK passenger footwell near the heater).
If you have auto transmission the cooler can fail allowing water from the rad into the transmission oil. A leak is not noticeable externally .This is serious as it will ruin the gearbox.
You may just need a new cap on the expansion bottle.

Apr 21st, 2022, 22:39	#1
CosmicBike Senior Member Last Online: Yesterday 13:59 Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Surrey	UV Leak Detection Anyone? My V70 is slowly losing coolant, slow enough that I can't see it, fast enough to be a concern in the longer term. I'm confident it's not the head gasket, so was thinking about trying one of these UV detection kits, placing the dye in the coolant and then using a UV torch to pin down the leak. Has anyone used one before, or able to recommend one? The usual places do, as usual, have very hit and miss reviews.... __________________ 1993 240 Torslanda (Sold) 1998 V70 R (daily) 1986 Ford Capri (on-going roadworthy project) 2007 Ford Galaxy (dog lugger) Previous XC90 x 2, V70 x 2

Apr 26th, 2022, 14:18	#2
VOLVOBOY Lazy Member Last Online: Yesterday 20:20 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: HORLEY	Hi. I wouldn`t have thought a dye was necessary . If there is antifreeze in the coolant it will be quite easy to spot the coloured water if it is dripping or collecting anywhere. Look for a crusty build-up around hose clamps or gaskets. The most likely candidates are the O-Rings on the pipes going into the heater matrix ( look for signs of damp carpet UK passenger footwell near the heater). If you have auto transmission the cooler can fail allowing water from the rad into the transmission oil. A leak is not noticeable externally .This is serious as it will ruin the gearbox. You may just need a new cap on the expansion bottle.

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