I have a small coolant leak evidenced by staining on drive.

It takes about 8 weeks for the level to drop to a point that a warning message is displayed.

700ml top up resolves the situation.

Garage says it cannot find a leak.

I have read on forums that UV fluorescent dye can be added to the coolant reservoir which may show the position of the leak.

I need advice about:

• trade names of suitable dyes;
• where to get these; and
• how much dye to add?

I presume the last item will require details of how much water is in a Kodiaq coolant system. My car is a 2018 Kodiaq 7 seater DSG 1495 petrol.

I look forward to receiving the help and guidance of forum members. 

 

You can also get similar for oil and a/c, last time I looked plenty of kits on eBay (I never look on Amazon) and I went to Ring Automotive direct for hyperlinks though the quantities they listed weren't over clear to me.

 

I'm not sure how carefully you have to be with VW's silly coolants (G numbers and descriptions) so check with Ring or kit supplier unless you're going direct to the (chemical?) company product producer.

 

Ring Dyes - https://www.ringautomotive.com/en/workshop-leak-detection

Thanks nta16.

A very useful and helpful post.

I'll follow-up your suggestion.

Again many thanks.

Bob

 

PS I wonder if any forum members have any practical experience of using dyes that they would be willing to share on the forum.

Thanks Bob.  I've never had to use as old English cars usually made their oil leaks easy to find and I used a coolant that help find and diagnosis (and cause) leaks easier.

 

From this eBay seller- 

 

"To use simply empty the full contents of the dye bottle into the cooling system. Then start the engine and run for 20 minutes at 2000 rpm. Switch the engine off and inspect the area with an ultra violet light for any leaks or signs of the dye." -  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266152538754

 

This video seems OK. - 

 

Edited 1 March, 20233 yr by nta16
missing words

Thanks Nigel,

I've invested in a dye kit and torch from a supplier on eBay.

Should be here in a couple of days.

In the meantime I've checked the oil filler cap to see if there is any evidence of water in the oil evidence by a white frothy deposit. There is no such deposit. Check the reservoir. Coolant is at maximum. Mileage 35787.

What I intend to do next.

First check the stains on the drive don't fluoresce under UV light.

Use the car for a couple of weeks to see how much reservoir level has dropped. Add dye. Top up.

Continue using then check engine and drive.

Bob