Best way to locate a hard to find oil leak?

[choke artist]

I'm getting real tired of pulling up- toting along the smell of burning oil. I've looked everywhere and it's dang near impossible to locate- there's quite a bit of oil and I'm out of ideas. What do you guys do?

 

 

1983 Nissan Datsun 720 2.4

[720inOlyWa]

Did you check your oil pressure sensor? It is right behind your oil filter.  My 85 720 2.4 leaked a bit until I replaced it and the hot oil that did leak wicked all over the place.

[Rjawm]

You could try some oil dye and a UV light.

 

It can be a PITA though if the leak is at the front of the motor and the fan spreads the oil all over everywhere, lights up the engine bay light a cheap hotel room on CSI, lol

 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/trl-tp-3405?seid=srese1&gclid=CMDqmt_ZssACFQ5rfgodtZAAdw

 

 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wmr-w2468

 

 

I used Summit to give examples but, they both can be purchased locally too.

[alabama_lowlife]

Clean up everything as clean as possible using some brake cleaner and a brush. Then run the engine and look for the leak.

[zed]

What I do is get the motor as clean as possible - with paraffin/engine cleaner/hp washer etc. Then start the motor and lie under it with a strong light

[Tucson620]

What I do is get the motor as clean as possible - with paraffin/engine cleaner/hp washer etc. Then start the motor and lie under it with a strong light

Reflecting on how my life choices have led to laying under a running car... :rofl:

 

I do the same.  One tip I heard from vintage motorcycle guys - after cleaning, get a dry cooking spray with flour, like Pam, hit the suspect spots.  Highlights the oil fast.  Have even heard of using athlete's foot powder in the same way.

[Z-train]

Let's not forget that some gaskets might not show leaks just sitting running,where seals would.You might have to drive it for the leak to show.

[dr.feltersnatch]

Is it coming from the breather? Is it hooked up properly?

[tr8er]

If oil smell is the symptom, it's likely just your crank case vent isn't piped right, or your valve cover vent isn't plumbed right. Most folks just run these open air (through some hokey screen) and call it good. This means you get to smell engine fume as you drive. Take a pic of your engine and post.