Gear box oil

[bob daily]

I’m getting the boat ready for my annual fishing trip and have all ways had trouble reading the level in the gear box, I’ve either had too much or not enough depending on trying to read the level on the dip stick!
So my question is has anyone put dye in the gear box oil to make it easier to get a good reading? Bob

 

[MPischke]

I have the same issue, dipstick is red and so is ATF. I use a white paper towel and lay the dipstick on it, and the ATF stains the paper towel and you can hold the dipstick beside it to read the level.

 

[SkookumR29]

I agree with MPischke - this works well. Be sure not to overfill.

Do not add Dye!

 

[bob daily]

Thank you both for your response, on my Yanmar 3YM-30 the gear box uses 30 weight non detergent motor oil, due to the dip stick being smooth (almost polished) it’s a PITA to see! The dye would work but I could only find the stuff that requires a UV light to see, I’ve been using the rag method since I’ve owned the boat but that’s kinda been hit and miss for me.
So Bob’s solution to this problem was to take some sandpaper and ruff up the surface of the dip stick, what a difference!
Now the oil sticks to the dip stick and is easy to see. Bob

 

[MPischke]

Well im going to try that
Thanks
M