clear hydraulic fluid

mb58 · Dec 10, 2014

I use hydraulic oil bought from our local fuel/oil bulk dealer. The problem I have with the oil is that I have a very hard time seeing it on the dipstick since it is practically clear. It seems to be extra hard to see the level on the dipstick in my JD 4020's for some reason. My eyesight is not what it used to be but even with glasses it's difficult. Do any of you have this problem and is there a simple solution?

John_PA · Dec 10, 2014

you could toss a handful of dirt in there!

HAHAHA sorry! I couldn't resist!

Bob Bancroft · Dec 10, 2014

Is the oil clear in the container before you dump it in? If so, it's not the correct oil. Hyd/trans. oil has some color.

I have the same challenge, and tractor brand doesn't matter. The only thing I have figured out is to only check the oil when cold. It then has a little body to it, so it's easier to see.

Bob · Dec 10, 2014

On the other hand, the only supplier within 25 miles of my farm is a CENEX Co-op and their stuff is dyed a sickly green!

mb58 · Dec 10, 2014

It has a slight yellowish/brown tint to it which shows up clear on the dipstick.

Wheatfarmer · Dec 10, 2014

Paint, or mark the dip stick with a black Sharpie. I have even made the surface rough with a grinder.

mjsnodgrass · Dec 10, 2014

i add a little bit of blue field marker, that I use for spraying. easy to see on dip stick, and leaks are very easy to spot

Grampy · Dec 10, 2014

I've used a blue die also, got it from a Cat dealer. Available in blue, green, red & yellow as I recall. A small bottle will last for years - it don't take much.

thurlow · Dec 10, 2014

Could drill some TINY holes in the dipstick........

dpendzic · Dec 10, 2014

take an old file and lay it out your dipstick and then hit it hard with a hammer--it will leave the cross hatching marks on the dip stick and make reading much easier

bill mart · Dec 10, 2014

john deere sells red dye for this, part #MT3688. BILL

notjustair · Dec 10, 2014

Funny someone mentioned dirt. The old neighbor around the way used to pull his hydro dipstick and then rub it in the dirt to see what the level was. We still talk about that. I'll bet I hear "Rub that in the dirt, will ya" at least once a month in the neighborhood.

farmboy48 · Dec 10, 2014

as mentioned above, I have drilled small holes in a dipstick, if it is flat not round. Oil hangs in hole to show level.

T in NE · Dec 11, 2014

That's the extra zinc in it. Really cuts down on wear where 2 pieces of metal slide against each other. Makes brakes groan though.

And it's still not easy to see on the 4020 dipstick. Not much better on everything else.

clear hydraulic fluid

mb58

Member

John_PA

Well-known Member

Bob Bancroft

Well-known Member

Bob

Well-known Member

mb58

Member

Wheatfarmer

Member

mjsnodgrass

Member

Grampy

Member

thurlow

Well-known Member

dpendzic

Well-known Member

bill mart

Well-known Member

notjustair

Well-known Member

farmboy48

Member

T in NE

Well-known Member

Similar threads