Which drip is What

[rocket rod]

Hi All

Trying to find out if there is a simple way to identify an oil type from it's colour/smell/feel. Searched all over the forum but can't find anything but I seem to remember one thread had a rough guide to oil identification. Anyone remember the thread or have any ideas? Trying to track down a small leak at the moment.

[Eric SDV6SE]

“Its not leaking oil, it’s sweating horsepower”

Can be engine oil, power steering fluid, atf, transfer case, front or rear diff oil, front LCA hydro bush grease etc etc. without a bit more info we’d all be guessing.

gear oil usually smells pretty strong, this includes transfer case oil.

atf feels almost like water and can have a reddish or greenish tinge

power steering fluid is dark green or bluish.

diesel engine oil is pitch black mostly smell slightly less strong than gear oil.

[rocket rod]

“Its not leaking oil, it’s sweating horsepower”

Can be engine oil, power steering fluid, atf, transfer case, front or rear diff oil, front LCA hydro bush grease etc etc. without a bit more info we’d all be guessing.

gear oil usually smells pretty strong, this includes transfer case oil.

atf feels almost like water and can have a reddish or greenish tinge

power steering fluid is dark green or bluish.

diesel engine oil is pitch black mostly smell slightly less strong than gear oil.

Thanks, that was the sort of info I was after.