CHASING AN OIL LEAK - RV12IS

[richpezz]

After 210 hours on my RV12is (Rotax 912is) I have been chasing a pesty oil leak since day one. I use approximately 1 liter of oil between oil changes (50 hours) and have continued to notice oil in the “rear” of the engine compartment (mounts, scat tubes, water pump). After a recent oil change the oil has presented itself on the OIL COOLER, specifically on the backside of metallic heat tape. I question myself if I inadvertently lost some oil while changing the filter and inspecting the magnetic plug. After repetitive engine (ground) runs, the oil originates from the oil cooler and drips onto the lower cowl and blows back to the engine mounts / scat tubes / water pump. I actually thought the oil was originating from a bad water pump seal, but it never appears to be more than one drop on the bottom of the water pump housing.

Question: Does anyone have experience with oil cooler failures resulting from leaks such as this? Can an oil cooler be pressure tested to confirm the leak? See the attached photos. Any ideas on how best to troubleshoot this oil leak is appreciated.

 

[Avanza]

An oil leak can be more or less difficult to find. The air is moving the oil around in the engine compartment.
I would clean and degrease the engine before flight and fly for 30 min and inspect. If no oil is found fly for another 30 min and inspect.
If oil is found in a certain area, check the bolts around it. If nothing obvious, degrease one more time and fly it again.
Only thing it may take some time to find the leak, but when found the problem is gone.

Good luck

 

[Amadeus]

Any ideas on how best to troubleshoot this oil leak is appreciated.

Did you check your oil line connections at the oil cooler? The one time I had a minor oil leak I discovered it was a loose connection on the input line. Tightened it up and haven't had a drop of oil escape since.

 

[DanH]

Does not appear to have been modified per SB 00088 Rev2. The SB notes radiator leaks, but...

https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SB-00088-RV-12iS-Radiator-Attachment-Modification-R2.pdf

 

[seagull]

I would super clean then add some UV dye to the oil.

https://www.amazon.com/oil-uv-dye/s?k=oil+uv+dye

A run up to 200 degrees oil temperature should be enough time.
Use a black light in a dark hangar and you will find the source of the leak.

 

[richpezz]

Thanks for the replies and guidance. It appears to be a self inflicted wound! After checking all hose connections and oil filter, it appears I must have inadvertently drained some oil directly onto the cooler.