trouble reading HST fluid on a dipstick

[skohler]

In the spectrum of issues I see on this board, mine is really simple but driving me nuts.

I just did my 800 hour service on my ZD331 mower and used SUDT. I bought it with 650 hours so the HST fluid had been changed once before me. It has this super shiny silver metal dipstick and the clear fluid very thin and totally invisible. I'm at least reading fluid on the dipstick as it forms a drop off the tip when I hold it up but have no idea how I'm supposed to read it.

Is there a way to tint it? Drop of red food color? I feel like an idiot, but figured I can't be the only one with this issue.

Steve

 

[sheepfarmer]

I get the dipstick really dry before inserting to check, and then I have a little pocket flashlight so I can see the reflection of the fluid. Seems like I use that little flashlight more and more these days

 

[TripleR]

Some use a flame to darken the dipstick, I just slide my thumbnail down and you can easily find the oil level.

 

[Diydave]

I grind the tip of the dipstick, up about an inch. Then wire brush it to remove burrs on edges. The ground surface is much easier to see the oil on...

 

[ItBmine]

I just lay mine on a clean paper towel and see where it gets wet.

Yes....something about Kubota and dip sticks you can't read.

I also find it odd on my B2620 that when I pull the hydro dip stick the first time it is completely dry, but once it is out and I out it back in it has oil to the full level.

 

[Eldubya]

You would think the engineers/designers
would be smart enough to use some colour other than yellow for the dipstick to measure a clear/yellow fluid.

 

[skohler]

Thanks for all the tips, also nice to see I'm not the only one with this issue.

 

[Burtonbr]

I also find it odd on my B2620 that when I pull the hydro dip stick the first time it is completely dry, but once it is out and I out it back in it has oil to the full level.

Mine is the same way I always think at first it needs fluid then checking it twice is always full.