Sniffer test

[bigpants]

This is the most knowledgeable forum I know so although this isn't guzzi related I thought I'd ask you guys (and gals) .
I have a failed combined oil/water pump seal on another bike hence have water in oil and oil in water.
My question is would the presence of oil in the water cause the engine to fail a sniffer test. In some reports I'm looking at the sniffer detects hydrocarbons and isn't oil formed of hydrocarbons ? Other reports say co² but I don't see the hydro part there . Maybe that is a simplification. Any experience or knowledge would be much appreciated.

[aklawok]

If the bike is not smoking ( can you smell antifreeze?)or leaking it should pass, however I would be more concerned about ruining the bike!

[Paul_Tim]

There are a couple of different Sniff Test fluids around, one detects CO2 in the water (which turns it acidic) and is best for Petrol / LPG engines, the other detects Hydrocarbons and is probably better for Diesel engines.
Oil is made of hydrocarbons but they tend to be 'big' molecules (long chains, high molecular weight), the chemicals used in the sniff test react best to 'small' molecules (low molecular weight, often unsaturated, reactive) which tend to be found in combustion products. The fluids have a very poor sensitivity for the molecules found in most oils.

[mechanicsavant]

I’m guessing you are sampling exhaust gasses . Another possible issue might be the head gasket or cracked head . As you don’t mention the vehicle. One way to help diagnose issue is to “sniff” at the coolant tank overflow cap . Any hydrocarbons detected there indicate a cylinder seal problem . Also  how much contamination does the oil indicate , does it look like coffee ? Same for coolant . Either way don’t run it too long or MORE damage will occure . Best of luck