Coolant Leak-Dye kit to help locate leak.

I have a 2007 Ford Explorer which has a coolant leak somewhere. I had thought I located it but apparently not as it is still leaking coolant.

Someone had mentioned to me way back that there is a dye kit that helps locate coolant leaks. I am sure those of you that are familiar with car way more than I am will know what I am talking about.

I did some quick searches on Google and Amazon so I can purchase a kit that a DIYer like myself can use to help locate this stupid leak that is not noticeable to my naked eyes.

Am I correct in thinking that this is a kit that someone like me can use (not a professional car techician)?

I found a kit online that seems to be what I need but not sure. Here is the link I found (I believe this kit is for far more than I will ever need; fluids other than coolant) ---> Multi-Colored Fluid Dye UV Leak Detection Kit (tracerproducts.com)

I would totally prefer to buy what I need on Amazon (which will be much cheaper than buying from a local store). I found this link for coolant leak dye on Amazon here ---> Amazon.com: Genuine GM Fluid 12378563 Fluorescent Coolant System Tracer Dye - 1 oz. : Automotive
My questions are is this the proper leak dye and I think I need a special UV flashlight to go with it. What type of light do I need? Can someone advise me on this please and give me a link to the proper light to be used with this and other advice on this issue overall.

Thanks!!!!

 

I've never used a dye to locate antifreeze leaks. I doubt you'd find dye make it much easier.
You need a bright flashlight to follow the wet trail up.

 

if it is a slow leak it may help, would just buy some for the coolant system and try it there is also a universal radiator coolant dye, most any uv flashlight or pen light can work I would not really spend much on a light.
as per the leak a pressure test may find it this is the traditional way of finding most coolant leaks might check around the thermostat housing.

 

This is the one my wife bought but I have used it to chase down a AC leak, it was a very small crack in the condenser. The dyes work as last ditch effort to locate!

https://www.amazon.com/Flashlight-Va...32376529&psc=1

 

I park the car over a clean sheet of cardboard to see where the leak, if it exists outside of the engine, is located. If leaking into the engine, you will not see coolant on the cardboard.

 

I was questioning your logic but you are describing if the leaks is inside the engine.... like into the oil or dripping on the floor.

External antifreeze leaks will eventually end up dripping on the floor. The problem is the water can be leaking in one location.... follow the engine block.... and drip in another location.

The cardboard would be good to locate where the actual antifreeze is dripping down from the engine.

Once you know what area you need to determine what is above. If it's towards the front of the engine there's a good chance it's the water pump. If the pump is bad.... water will drip from a weep hole on the bottom of the pump. Almost impossible to see.

 

Dye kit should come with UV light and special goggles.
It works well for EXTERNAL leaks and, ones that, actually, can be seen as, there are plenty of dark niches in any engine that just are not even possible to peak into, without disassembling something.
If you have blown head gasket and coolant leaks into the combustion chamber, that will show in exhaust smoke and coolant smell out of the tail pipe.
Good luck

PS. Check expansion canister. They are made out of cheap plastic and tend to crack at the mounting bolts.

 

Thank you all for your suggestions, links and help. I will pass this information on to my housemate that works on my car. I just know how to put gas in a car; that is my level of expertise unfortunately.