MAHLE RTI ELF-1 - Manual (Page 12)

Page 9
Note that ELF-1 can pump up to 15 PSI into a test area. Do not apply
excessive pressure into an oil system. It is possible to damage or
dislodge seals and gaskets with excessive pressure.
ENGINE MECHANICAL - HEAD GASKET - COOLANT TO OIL
If coolant is found in the engine oil, there are a number of potential paths that could leak to cause this
condition. While impossible to be definitive about the exact path, it is usually possible to confirm that
the condition exists.
Applying ELF-1 to the radiator (after draining the coolant) will eventually cause fog to appear at either
the oil filler location, the dipstick tube or the PCV valve. If all three components are left in the open
position, observing where the fog first appears may provide clues to the path of the leak.
ENGINE MECHANICAL - CYLINDER CONDITION
A compression test is often performed where the cylinders were uneven but there appears to be no
mechanical problem. Any leakage can be observed by applying ELF-1 to each cylinder.
Remove all of the spark plugs, remove the air cleaner from the carburetor - throttle body, pull the
dipstick tube and the oil filler cap. Perform a dry compression test and record the readings.
Starting with the lowest reading cylinder, bring each cylinder to TDC on compression before applying
ELF-1. Apply for about one minute to each cylinder in turn. Ideally, there should be no fog anywhere
except inside the cylinder being evaluated. Fog at the throttle area indicates intake valve leakage. Fog
at the exhaust would indicate exhaust valve leakage and fog at the oil filler or dipstick tube would
indicate piston ring leakage.
OIL LEAKS
Even on a very dirty engine, filling the crankcase with fog via the dipstick tube will eventually reveal any
oil leaks. This allows planning the repair better, knowing what needs to be done. Previously discussed
were recent improvements in sealing methods employed by the manufacturers. Often an oil leak will
not be obvious, as in replacing a valve cover gasket a number of times, only to eventually find that the
intake manifold is the real culprit.
Apply ELF-1 to the dipstick tube for a minute or so, then watch the results. Fog will eventually appear
at the real leak, not necessarily where most of the oil is. Of course, always observe the old rule that the
leak will usually be at the highest physical point of the wet area, even though in some cases it can not
be seen.
Adapters are supplied to plug off the PCV System (both Valve & Fresh Air Intake). If the oil leak isn’t
found with low pressure testing, there is the option of increasing the pressure, by plugging off the PCV
System and trapping the fog in the oil system.
There are no published specifications for pressurizing an oil system. Some
large area seals and gaskets will be under stress if they are exposed to
excessive pressures. Use extreme caution