A lot has been made here with problems using DOT 5. Unless planning a
total overhaul of the hydraulics, I would suggest shying away. Not based
on actual experience, only what others have reported. I recall that
certain seals/o-rings already exposed to DOT 3 or DOT 4 are subject to
failure with the synthetic stuff.
FWIW . . .
Regards,
Chris
At 09:24 PM 9/15/97 EDT, Richard D. Arnold wrote:
>Tom:
>
>On Monday, 15 September 1997, at 16:48 you wrote:
>
>>What alternative brake fluid can I use in my 77B? Should I order the
>>suggested or is there something cheaper I can pick up at the local
>>autostore?
>
>I recommend that you skip the suggested, and skip something cheaper, and
>switch to a DOT 5 silicone brake fluid:
>
> * Higher boiling point
> * Works in drum or disc systems
> * Does not absorb water
> * Lubricates seals (doesn't 'swell' them)
> * Won't harm painted surfaces
> * Doesn't deteriorate like DOT 4 and lower
> * Mil-spec quality
>
>You'll need to completely flush your braking system before using the
>silicone fluid, as DOT 5 is incompatible with the lower numbered grades.
>Costs around $15.00 a quart, but since it doesn't absorb water, you can
>reseal it with a piece of plastic film (ie, Saran-wrap) under the cap,
>and safely store it. Buy it in the quart size as the pint cost is
>something like $6.00 (at four pints to a quart, it'll save you $9.00). I
>think I got mine through the local Champion Auto Parts store.
>
>On my '79 Midget, I used aerosol brake parts cleaner to flush my lines
>with. Since I had previously rebuilt all the hydraulic components
>(including the clutch parts) before switching to the silicone fluid, I
>only spent about $21.00 and 4 hours. The result is a much stiffer pedal,
>and less maintenance to the braking system. Since the silicone doesn't
>absorb water, you won't need to bleed the system as often -- and, if you
>have the plastic reservoir, you'll be able to see your fluid level much
>more easily, as the silicone fluid has a distinctive purplish cast to it.
>
>Luck,
>
>Rich Arnold
>Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA
>
>richard.arnold@juno.com
>
>"It is wise to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties."
>James Madison ca. 1791
>
>
|