The Oldsmobile Alero engine relies on motor oil to protect it from the stresses of friction as the hundreds of internal working parts move past one another. The engine itself uses gaskets between each portion to prevent the oil from leaking out. Over time, the gaskets break down and begin to leak. When this happens, you'll need to troubleshoot the oil leak before you can perform the necessary repairs to correct it. If you have a leaking Oldsmobile Alero and basic auto-repair experience, you can handle this job.
Remove the oil filler cap from your Alero's engine by hand. Make sure the engine isn't running before removing the cap.
Pour the automotive leak dye into the crankcase by hand. Put the oil filler cap back on the Alero's engine by hand.
Drive the Oldsmobile for 25 miles. Park the Alero and shut the engine off.
Open the hood and shine the black-light gun on all the upper and side portions of the engine visible from the top. The leak dye shows up as a glowing green substance when you hit it with the black light.
Look at the Alero's engine from underneath the car if you did not spot a leak from the top. Once you've pinpointed the glowing leak dye, you can visually trace it to the failed gasket.
