Tool Required

J 39400  Leak Detector. See Special Tools and Equipment .

Most oil leaks are easily located by visual inspection and repaired by replacing and/or repairing the necessary parts.

Use the following steps in order to find the leak:

1. Identify the fluid. Determine whether it is engine oil, automatic transmission fluid, or power steering fluid.
2. From what point is the fluid leaking? After running the vehicle at normal operating temperature, park the vehicle over a large sheet of paper. After a few minutes, you should be able to find the approximate location of the leak by the drippings on the paper.
3. Visually check around the suspected component. Check around the gasket mating surfaces for leaks. A mirror is useful for finding leaks in hard-to-reach areas.
4. If the leak still cannot be found, it may be necessary to clean the suspected area with a degreaser, steam or spray solvent. Clean the area well, then dry the area. Operate the vehicle for several miles at normal operating temperature and varying speeds. After operating the vehicle, visually check the suspected component. If you still cannot locate the leak, try using the powder or black light-and-dye method.

Perform the following steps in order to use the black light-and-dye method:

1. Pour specified amount of dye into the leaking component system.
2. Operate the vehicle under normal operating conditions as directed by the J 39400  .
3. Direct the light toward the suspect area. The dyed fluid will appear as a yellow path leading to the source. See the J 39400  kit directions for the color of the fluid and the dye mix.

Perform the following steps in order to perform the powder method:

1. Clean the suspected area.
2. Apply an aerosol-type powder-such as foot powder to the suspected area.
3. Operate the vehicle under normal operating conditions.
4. Visually inspect the suspected component. You should be able to trace the leak path over the white powder surface to the source.