Mazda Fluid Leak Diagnosis

MAZDA
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ADU
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  • 15 POSTS
I have already spent $50 on leak diagnostics (coolant & oil) only to learn they rely on dyes to detect the problem and looks-simple-manual procedures.

I have also seen fluid leak diagnostic kits available in auto-parts store. These seem to comprise of dyes (ac, coolant, oil, transaxle), an injector, UV glasses, hose connectors.
Do we have to drain out the dye after using it (Directions in the kit did not mention anything abt this)?

How reliable are these kits and is it a DIY task ?

Thanks,
adu
Jan 4, 2007 at 11:28 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Looking for leaks isn't as black and white as throwing in dye and it will slap you in the face and just show up.

I try to use dye as a last resort. It works, and you don't need to remove it if you don't want. It's messy sometimes and doesn't always make it simple.

I thoughly clean the area in question with brake clean or whatever solvent won't damage anything, then dry it with compressed air. Run the motor and watch. If nothing obvious take it for a quick ride and recheck. If still nothing get it at highways speeds then recheck. If still nothing give it a day or two.
Jan 4, 2007 at 12:17 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Do you have a physical leak from the coolant or oil, or it just disappearing and don't know where its going.

If there's a physical leak-I would take Mr. Service Writer's advised and go from there.
Jan 4, 2007 at 1:13 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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MR. ?
******
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The Jerk Quotes (1979)


The new phone book's here! The new phone book's here! This is the kind of spontaneous publicity I need! My name in print! That really makes somebody! Things are going to start happening to me now.

First I get my name in the phone book and now I'm on your ass. You know, I'll bet more people see that than the phone book.

I know we've only known each other 4 weeks and 3 days, but to me it seems like 9 weeks and 5 days.

******

Sorry, got carried away. Internal leaks are another story. I seen a different post by Abu about a rear main seal, and made the assumption. :wink:
Jan 4, 2007 at 8:51 PM

Suggested Repair

Treat UV dye as a last resort; it can work and does not need to be drained, but it is messy and not always clear. Thoroughly clean the suspected area with a safe solvent, dry it with compressed air, then run the engine and inspect. If nothing shows, recheck after a short drive, highway speeds, and again after a day or two. Use this visual method first for a visible external leak.

Conversation Summary

The owner asked whether auto-parts dye leak kits for coolant, oil, A/C, and transmission fluid are reliable, whether the dye must be drained, and if the job is DIY on a Mazda. An expert said dye works but is a last resort, does not have to be removed, and can be messy. The preferred method is to clean and dry the area, run the engine, and recheck after driving and waiting. Another reply said to follow that approach if there is a visible external leak rather than fluid simply disappearing.

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