Hydraulic fluid dye

[Bob from Maine]

Has anyone used leak detection dye to make it easier to see the fluid level on the dipstick?

Will it harm anything?

I’ve tried painting the bottom inch or so of the dipstick but it doesn’t help much.

 

[newbury]

Walmart sells John Deere Original Equipment Oil #MT3668 linky.
And I suspect JD sell it also.
That helps some.

 

[Bob from Maine]

Followed your link. They seem to be out of stock.
You’ve used it? It does the trick?

 

[newbury]

Like I wrote- it helps some.
But there are two common problems I've read of on here -
1. a machine has a sight glass to monitor the oil
In this case it might help a lot.
2. you use a dipstick
This is my case. It does make the oil more visible.

BUT - WARNING The dye will stain your clothes and body. I put a partially used jar in my pocket and some leaked into my pocket. And thence got on my skin. I had a big reddish stain on my leg that looked like a birthmark for months.

I've actually found it easier to place the dipstick on something, like a piece of paper towel, to see where the oil soaks up.

 

[5030]

I use Chevron All Weather THC Synthetic hydraulic oil and it comes pre dyed in orange of all colors. I drilled all my dipsticks with a low (add level) and a full level. The 1/16" hole will be bridged by the oil and indicate the level very easily. You do need to use a quality drill as the dipsticks are usually tempered.

 

[kennyd]

I have used the JD dye on a few machines, it really does work quite well.

 

[tradosaurus]

Yes to the JD dye.
Yes it works great.

And it should be standard to dye the hydraulic fluid from the dealer.

 

[nybirdman]

I have used it for many years,buy from a JD dealer or order on line.Make sure to advise your dealer/mechanic that you used it.They thought I had put in automatic trans oil!

 

[Patches]

I have used it for many years,buy from a JD dealer or order on line.Make sure to advise your dealer/mechanic that you used it.They thought I had put in automatic trans oil!

i found the engine oil dipstick very difficult to read after changing the oil (very shinney). I used a propane torch to heat the level area of the dipstick, turning it a darker matte finish, making the level very easy to see

 

[5030]

I still prefer the 'hole in the dipstick' method just like cars today have.