So I took the car to the mechanic to have the cam position sensor seal replaced. They had the car for a couple of hours this afternoon and it cost me about $70 when they were done. Here is a pic of what it look like before...



...and after the job...



Anyway, they put some "oil dye" in the car so that they would be able to tell if the seal still leaked or not. Is using this stuff standard procedure? Will it affect the oil's protective properties in any way? They said I would need a black light to see the leaking dye (if there was any). They wanted to charge me $50 or so to degrease the engine and to use the "special light" in a week or so to see if the seal was holding or not... I hope I was right in declining this service.

 

I don't see why a visual check wouldn't tell you if it's leaking or not. It should be obvious. If not, I'm sure you can pick up a black light somewhere for a lot less than $50. Of course, it's been a long time (25 years?) since I've been to Oat Willie's.

 

That's what I was thinking....I guess this was a way for them to make some more $$.

..and I have no idea what 'oat willie's' is....

 

Local head shop.