2001 3.1L V6 Oil Leak

[cavasinj]

Hey all- I need to diagnose an oil leak, and want to know about using the UV-reactive oil dyes. I assume these aren't too ridiculously expensive and that I only need a black-light to illuminate the dye, not some special order light apparatus?

Also- I am pretty adventurous in DIY repair, and take my time to learn what I need to prior to starting any repairs. If it is a gasket- rear main seal, head gasket, etc- which one's would I do well to have someone else repair, and which could I feasibly do on my own?

Thanks all.
Joe

[johnschmitt]

I'm not sure about the dye, but about what you can tackle on your own... Well here's an excerpt from haynes on the rear oil seal.

Rear main oil seal - replacement

1. Remove the transaxle (see chapter 7)

...because it's that easy... It really depends how far you want to get into all this is what it comes down to. If you can visualize how systems in the car work individually and with each other, you're patient, and you can follow a maual you'd be surprised what you can do. I balance the following three factors: 1. time required, 2. special tools required, 3. what someone else would charge to do it. Things usually work out that way.