Can you safely dye hydraulic fluid

[JoeL4330]

Sorry, haven't read the whole thread, but perhaps you are familiar with Chevron's hydro fluid:

Chevron Synthetic All-Weather THF is a unique, high
quality, multifunctional fluid, specially formulated for
use in transmissions, final drives, wet brakes, and
hydraulic systems of tractors and other equipment
employing a common fluid reservoir.
Chevron Synthetic All-Weather THF is specially
designed for all weather operations and applications —
both severe winter cold and extreme summer heat. It
meets the requirements of both John Deere J20C and
J20D specifications. This, combined with excellent
oxidation stability, minimizes the need for seasonal oil
changes.
Its distinctive orange color provides for easy product
identification and leak detection.
https://cglapps.chevron.com/msdspds/PDSDetailPage.aspx?docDataId=294507&docFormat=PDF

 

[IslandTractor]

Sorry, haven't read the whole thread, but perhaps you are familiar with Chevron's hydro fluid:

Chevron Synthetic All-Weather THF is a unique, high
quality, multifunctional fluid, specially formulated for
use in transmissions, final drives, wet brakes, and
hydraulic systems of tractors and other equipment
employing a common fluid reservoir.
Chevron Synthetic All-Weather THF is specially
designed for all weather operations and applications —
both severe winter cold and extreme summer heat. It
meets the requirements of both John Deere J20C and
J20D specifications. This, combined with excellent
oxidation stability, minimizes the need for seasonal oil
changes.
Its distinctive orange color provides for easy product
identification and leak detection.
https://cglapps.chevron.com/msdspds/PDSDetailPage.aspx?docDataId=294507&docFormat=PDF

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Isn't that stuff stupid expensive though. More than even Kubota SUDT as I recall. I'm not sure it is available in 5 gallon pails.

 

[FTG-05]

That would help but I only use my tractor in warmer weather and trying to see the level is a pain.

I found an online source of MT3668 for less than $4 a bottle so I will order a couple.

Ummm, don't you think something's missing here? I bet if you look really, really hard, you'll find it.

 

[IslandTractor]

Ummm, don't you think something's missing here? I bet if you look really, really hard, you'll find it.

Sorry, I'm not getting it. ?on line source for????

 

[Looking4new]

Sorry, I'm not getting it. ?on line source for????

Punch in MT3668 in the search bar of your brouser and hit go.
The links show up and then select a link.

 

[IslandTractor]

Punch in MT3668 in the search bar of your brouser and hit go.
The links show up and then select a link.

First link is a JD dealer: http://www.greenfarmparts.com/mobile/Product.aspx?id=189106

 

[TMB1320]

To see clear oil on a chromed stick... look for the reflection of a strong light source. You have to rotate the stick to get the angle right while keeping the dip stick almost HORIZONTAL, dip end down. look for the dry/wet line.
Reflection line I call it.

 

[IslandTractor]

To see clear oil on a chromed stick... look for the reflection of a strong light source. You have to rotate the stick to get the angle right while keeping the dip stick almost HORIZONTAL, dip end down. look for the dry/wet line.
Reflection line I call it.

Understood, but that is a PITA and generally requires rechecking a couple of times to be sure. Much prefer the idea of having a dyed fluid so there is some contrast.

 

[jgayman]

Understood, but that is a PITA and generally requires rechecking a couple of times to be sure. Much prefer the idea of having a dyed fluid so there is some contrast.

I'm getting ready to change the hydro fluid in my JD 2720 and have a bottle of the JD red dye ready to go back in. This winter I had a couple quick connects that were leaking and the red dye was very easy to spot in the snow. The leak would have probably gone unnoticed if the oil was its native color. Good visibility of the fluid is worth $4.

 

[Frank2131]

I bought some of the JD dye the other day. The dealer kept asking me what it was when I ordered it.

Sure makes seeing the fluid in the hydrostat sight glass MUCH easier. I dribbled a little into a jug of fluid and it was bright red afterwards. This stuff should go a long way. I plan to use a pipette to put a very small amount into a jug and see how much I need.

 

[Buggs67]

I bought some of the JD dye the other day. The dealer kept asking me what it was when I ordered it.

Sure makes seeing the fluid in the hydrostat sight glass MUCH easier. I dribbled a little into a jug of fluid and it was bright red afterwards. This stuff should go a long way. I plan to use a pipette to put a very small amount into a jug and see how much I need.

Old post, but I have the same problem.
I called JD dealer. He looked up the part # and it's $4 and change. He doesn't stock it, never heard of it, didn't know what it's for. I explained and he said JD fluid isn't clear and couldn't understand why they make it. He's happy to order it for me and I'd rather give him the business than the interweb. Plus it'd give me a chance to look at the "toys" and maybe buy something I don't know I need yet :tractor:

 

[Fallon]

Amazon.com : John Deere Original Equipment Oil #MT3668 : Patio, Lawn & Garden Worked for me (I left the review)

 

[jgayman]

Amazon.com : John Deere Original Equipment Oil #MT3668 : Patio, Lawn & Garden Worked for me (I left the review)

Wow... $12.95 for something JD sells for $4.27.

I added some to my 2720 when I changed the hydro oil. Along with making it easier to see the level in the sight glass, it makes it much easier to see any small leaks, especially during the winter in the snow.

It's always nice to be able to immediately distinguish between hydro oil, engine oil and coolant.

 

[IslandTractor]

Wow... $12.95 for something JD sells for $4.27.

Not surprised. $8-9 is a pretty typical shipping and handling charge for small items.

 

[nybirdman]

I just bought two at the JD dealer for $2.55ea.;I think they gave me their cost.List was $4.25.