Indicating lubricant additive

A lubricant composition comprising a carrier, a particulate metal alloy selected from the group consisting of copper-nickel-tin, copper-nickel-tin-zinc and mixtures thereof, said particulate metal alloy having a first color and being dispersed in said carrier, and an indicating lubricant additive comprising a color-changable polymer comprising an outer layer of a second color, said second color of said lubricant additive masking said first color of said particulate metal alloy.

A lubricant additive for indicating the condition of a lubricant composition including a carrier and a particulate metal alloy selected from the group consisting of copper-nickel-tin, copper-nickel-tin-zinc and mixtures thereof, said particulate metal alloy having a first color and being dispersed in said carrier, said lubricant additive comprising a color-changable polymer comprising an outer layer of a second color, said second color of said lubricant additive masking said first color of said particulate metal alloy when said lubricant additive is mixed with said lubricant composition.

An indicating lubricant additive comprising a fluid carrier, a plurality of microcapsules comprised of shell walls defining interiors within said microcapsules, and a dye disposed within said interiors of said microcapsules.

A lubricant composition comprising a carrier, a particulate metal alloy selected from the group consisting of copper-nickel-tin, copper-nickel-tin-zinc and mixtures thereof, said particulate metal alloy having a first color and being dispersed in said carrier, and an indicating lubricant additive comprising a fluid carrier, a plurality of microcapsules comprised of shell walls, said shell walls defining interiors within said microcapsules and comprising a first colored dye, and a second colored dye disposed within said interiors of said microcapsules, wherein said first colored dye of said lubricant additive masks said first color of said particulate metal alloy.

A lubricant additive for indicating the condition of a lubricant composition including a carrier, a particulate metal alloy selected from the group consisting of copper-nickel-tin, copper-nickel-tin-zinc and mixtures thereof, said particulate metal alloy having a first color and being dispersed in said carrier, said lubricant additive comprising a fluid carrier, a plurality of microcapsules comprised of shell walls, said shell walls defining interiors within said microcapsules and comprising a first colored dye, and a second colored dye disposed within said interiors of said microcapsules, wherein said first colored dye of said lubricant additive masks said first color of said particulate metal alloy when said lubricant additive is mixed with said lubricant composition.

A lubricant sensing dipstick comprising an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a circuit housing joined to said proximal end of said elongated body, and lubricant sensing means disposed at said distal end of said elongated body.