Reading Hydraulic/tranny fluid levels

[Chaos USMC]

Because of the color (or lack thereof) of the hydraulic/transmission fluid in my tractor (absolutely clear) I have a hard time telling where the exact level of the fluid is on the dipsticks. I have to try to read it numerous times before I am confident I am reading it correctly.

Is there any kind of "dye", etc. that can be added that gives the fluid a darker color so that levels can be more apparent on the dipsticks? Or, perhaps there is an aftermarket dipstick that is "etched" that allows for more distinct level indications...

Thanks.

 

[ericm979]

Deere sells a dye for this purpose. #mt3668

 

[ovrszd]

Maybe pull the stick and lay it on a paper towel?

 

[Chaos USMC]

Gentleman, thank you your feedback, appreciate your efforts... Safe day.

 

[aczlan]

If it's a flat dipstick, you can also drill 2-3 1/8" holes in it, one at the add mark, one at the full mark and perhaps one midway between the two.

Aaron Z

 

[redman135]

Hello Chaos USMC, I do a variation on ovrszd, I lay the dipstick on my glove palm,then move the dipsick sideways, the oil shows up nicely, even in poor light.

 

[Chaos USMC]

Hello redman and aczlan, thankyou for commenting.

My fluid is absolutely clear/translucent on the stick. (a good problem to have, right...) Not sure drilling the holes would make a big difference. I was thinking of using a Dremmel to put some cross hatching on the stick for possibly better fluid adhesion/detail. Ericm's suggestion for the John Deere dye look's feasible but multiple bottles of the dye at roughly $13/bottle would be required.

I do like the glove "trick". It will also give me a good excuse to get some new gloves, way to many holes in the pair I have now!

 

[ericm979]

You can use a paper towel instead of the glove.

Some dipsticks come with tiny holes from the factory. I have seen that on engine oil dipsticks. The oil fills in the holes due to surface tension, making a visible indicator.

There are other sources of oil dye than Deere. They may be cheaper.

 

[Leejohn]

I use a bunn coffee maker's clean out spring.

 

[ovrszd]

I simply tilt the dipstick until the light reflects the oil. I just offered the paper towel solution as an alternative.