Need Help!- Oil soluble dye for clear way lube

[right on]

First off Hello to the community, I just moved in.
Im trying to self diagnose the sudden over consumption of way lube being used on a cnc lathe with a Vogel way lube system. Been told that since machine is 10yr. + it may be the distribution manifolds. There are 3 manifolds that I see and to replace all 3 does not zero in on the problem but may be an answer.
I would like to narrow it down to the problem manifold by mixing a small cup of way lube with some kind of dye that would be safe and compatible without any adverse effects. All lube lines are semi transparent and oil in them is visible and presently clear. Perhaps a red or blue color would be most detectable to show where its bleeding first. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas?
Thank you for sharing.

[keebler303]

How about ATF? Its red and I wouldn't think it would harm anything in your lube system. Also things like royal purple lubricants might work, they are, guess, purple.

Matt

[DSL PWR]

I wouldn't use ATF. It has very little oil, and lots of additives. Those additives could do some bad things to the seals on the ways. The colored oil is a good idea, but univis j13 (exxon/esso product) is true hydraulic oil and might be ok to use.

[right on]

Originally Posted by DSL PWR I wouldn't use ATF. It has very little oil, and lots of additives. Those additives could do some bad things to the seals on the ways. The colored oil is a good idea, but univis j13 (exxon/esso product) is true hydraulic oil and might be ok to use.

Thanks for the Red flag... Im not In a rush for the solution as long as I see lube on all the ways and slides,leadscews ect. But skimming the coolant is a daily chore! BTW all lines have been inspected for leaks and I believe it has to be one of the metering fittings at the manifolds the question being wich one? I will look into your suggestion...

[DSL PWR]

I bet the uv dye that you can get at auto parts stores would work. Pretty cheap to if I remember right. Just dump some in the lube tank, push start and turn out the lights... it will give a new meaning to lights out production.

[right on]

You Da Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bought a small 1 oz. bottle at car quest for 5 bucks and a black light bulb also for 5 bucks and tonight it will be lights out black light on! I made up a cup with just a few drops and it worked perfect... Brings back memories from the 60's&70's........Thanks for the info DSL PWR !!

[right on]

Originally Posted by DSL PWR I bet the uv dye that you can get at auto parts stores would work. Pretty cheap to if I remember right. Just dump some in the lube tank, push start and turn out the lights... it will give a new meaning to lights out production.

U V Da Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bought a small 1 oz. bottle at car quest for 5 bucks and a black light bulb also for 5 bucks and tonight it will be lights out black light on! I made up a cup with just a few drops and it worked perfect... Brings back memories from the 60's&70's........Thanks for the info.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!