I changed the engine oil and front/rear fluids and noticed, again, that the front diff oil had a copper looking color. I noticed this the first time the oil was changed. Has anyone else seen this color of oil? I've got 1,500 miles+ on the Prairie and it seems to work fine but the color of the front diff oil has me concerned.

 

What are you using for the oil???

 

For the front I'm using Castrol GTX 10W40. I'm using Kawchem lube for the rear. I noticed the copper color when I first changed the front diff oil, from the factory. I thought it would clear up after the first changing but it didn't.

 

Mine isn't copper colored. But I remember a while ago reading about other people having there front diff fluid copper color. Try doing a search for the thread.

 

We have a pre runner for desert races that has over 3,600 miles on it and the oil always has a copper color to it, No problems yet and still works great.
Bearman

 

I have changed my front diff oil twice now and it has had that copper color also. Do you use your front diffy lock a lot? I think it is coming from the diffy lock clutch assembly.

 

Preacherman, Castrol does not have an additive for a clutch. I use Spectro4 10/40. It has the correct additives for the clutches in front differential. My oil looks the same coming out as it did going in!

 

I use Castrol and havent knowticed any color change myself.

 

I seldom use the 4WD at all, even less the Diff lock. The manual indicates that engine oil is to be used for the front diff, if I read it correctly. I had problems with my 4WD not working when I first got my Prairie but it wasn't an internal problem. I engage the front end occasionally just to exercize it and there hasn't been any signs of it not working properly. I think I'll change it again after about 100 miles to see what it looks like.

 

I was told that as long as you don't see big flakes it is OK. The color comes from the normal wear of the diff lock clutch pack disks that are either brass or copper, I can't remember which. Since either metal is softer than the gears and bearing parts, I don't think it will hurt them. Mine always comes out looking like sparkle paint. It probably depends on how much the differential slips when you ride, like max slippage when turning full lock on pavement to little slippage on slight turns over gravel, etc.