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My old way of finding a coolant leak was a total mess
I used to spray soapy water all over the engine bay and hope for bubbles, which just made a slippery mess. After a job in Phoenix last summer where I spent two hours cleaning up, I bought a UV dye kit for about $40. Now I add the dye, run the engine, and find the leak in minutes with a black light. Has anyone else made the switch from old messy tricks to something that actually works?
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lewis.finley6mo ago
Honestly, I still keep a spray bottle of soapy water in my toolbox. That UV dye stuff is just another thing to buy and keep track of. I helped my neighbor with his truck last month and we found a leaking hose in five minutes with the old soap trick. It didn't make any big mess, we just wiped it down after. Sometimes the simple way is still the best way.
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piperbailey6mo ago
Totally agree with you @lewis.finley, soapy water is a classic for a reason. It works on pretty much anything that holds air or pressure, from bike tires to lawn mower fuel lines. I feel like a lot of new tools just overcomplicate stuff that already has a simple fix. Unless you're in a super dark shop all the time, that UV light is just gonna collect dust. Keep it simple and save your money for the parts you actually need.
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avery2196mo ago
Plus soapy water doesn't need batteries or a special light to work. You can see the bubbles in broad daylight, no extra gear needed. It's just one less thing that can fail on you when you're trying to get a job done.
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