Is is possible to add some sort of coloration to universal hydraulic fluid? It's so clear and the dip stick is so shiny, its almost impossible to see. I was wondering if a few drops of food coloring would work and if any damage could be caused by it...opinions?
coloring hydraulic fluids?
- Thread starter mathey
- Start date
- Views: 14913
NIXON
Veteran Member
Mathey , Just a blind guess on my part . But food coloring is water soluble . I doubt it would mix with hydraulic fluid .
I'm sure you can find a suitable dye for hydro fluid . But small quantities may be a problem to buy . Try asking at places that sell off road fuel . You should get at least a few leads as to where you might get it . John
I'm sure you can find a suitable dye for hydro fluid . But small quantities may be a problem to buy . Try asking at places that sell off road fuel . You should get at least a few leads as to where you might get it . John
MikePA
Super Moderator
What I do is place the end of the dipstick on the end of my finger and then slide the dipstick towards the tip of my finger. This rubs the oil off on my finger and I can compare this to the markings on the dipstick. (This is easier to do than describe. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ) Not as nice as seeing it on the dipstick, but close.
markie61
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2001
- Messages
- 1,362
- Location
- Northern Virginia
- Tractor
- 2019 Rural King RK55HC with Loader & Backhoe; 2001 New Holland TC40D with Loader
It might be easier to put some sort of background color on the dipstick...? It once heard of that idea from a Craftsman tractor service guy....
Mark
Mark
SnowRidge
Elite Member
Yes, it is possible. Google on "oil dye" for lots of hits. Leave the quotes in place.
Soundguy
Old Timer
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2002
- Messages
- 51,575
- Location
- Central florida
- Tractor
- RK 55HC,ym1700, NH7610S, Ford 8N, 2N, NAA, 660, 850 x2, 541, 950, 941D, 951, 2000, 3000, 4000, 4600, 5000, 740, IH 'C' 'H', CUB, John Deere 'B', allis 'G', case VAC
I guess the old method of pulling the stick and immediatly wiping it on a cloth and then dipping again to read doesn't work any more? That's what I've always done. The difference in the wiped surface and the freshly dipped surface is vary obvious.
I sopose if you realy wanted to dye it.. look for a leak indicator kit at some of the more pro parts stores. I've seen kits that have the dye for water ( radiator ) and oil based dye included as well.. I've seen the yellow kind... visible.. but a blacklight helps.. and I've seen red.. VERY visible...
Soundguy
I sopose if you realy wanted to dye it.. look for a leak indicator kit at some of the more pro parts stores. I've seen kits that have the dye for water ( radiator ) and oil based dye included as well.. I've seen the yellow kind... visible.. but a blacklight helps.. and I've seen red.. VERY visible...
Soundguy
GRUMPA
Gold Member
What we used to do in a case like that is simply paint the end of the dipstick another contrasting color like BLACK
depratt_equip
Platinum Member
Our oil supplier who supplies us with oil has a dye that they can put in our oil tanks, so I know something is available. I will ask next time they come down and see what quantities I could get it in. We also sell the hyd/trans oil in 5 gal pails that already has dye in it. I would check your local oil company to see if they do the same thing.
Henro
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2003
- Messages
- 4,982
- Location
- Few miles north of Pgh, PA
- Tractor
- Kubota B2910, BX2200, KX41-2V mini EX
I can't see it on my dip stick either...
I just touch the dip stick to my shirt or my finger and see where the oil shows up, in relation to the marks on the stick.
Very easy to see the oil when it hits the cloth... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
PS...don't tell my wife...she thinks the oil spots are a sign of me working... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I just touch the dip stick to my shirt or my finger and see where the oil shows up, in relation to the marks on the stick.
Very easy to see the oil when it hits the cloth... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
PS...don't tell my wife...she thinks the oil spots are a sign of me working... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif