I have been fighting a persistent oil leak on my 300Tdi lately. I wasn't sure exactly where it was coming from but it was leaking down the back of the motor and dripping onto the exhaust. I suspected a rear main seal leak initially but quickly ruled that out after inspecting the access hole on the bottom of the bell housing. I next considered a head gasket. I asked my friends for advice and one of them told me to get some flourescent oil dye.
Last week, I bought some Tracer Products Dye-Light leak detection dye, along with a little 396nm UV flashlight. I did an oil change and added two bottles of the dye (double strength) and drove the truck for a few days of lunch runs and kiddo football practice trips. I went out there tonight and this is what I found:
It looks like I have a leaky rocker cover gasket. The leak was so slight back there that I couldn't even really see it during the day. I assume that when the motor is hot and under pressure, it weeps out back there at a pretty good rate. I'm going to replace it tomorrow and do a valve adjustment while I'm at it.
Last week, I bought some Tracer Products Dye-Light leak detection dye, along with a little 396nm UV flashlight. I did an oil change and added two bottles of the dye (double strength) and drove the truck for a few days of lunch runs and kiddo football practice trips. I went out there tonight and this is what I found:
It looks like I have a leaky rocker cover gasket. The leak was so slight back there that I couldn't even really see it during the day. I assume that when the motor is hot and under pressure, it weeps out back there at a pretty good rate. I'm going to replace it tomorrow and do a valve adjustment while I'm at it.