Brian Evans wrote:
>
> >
> >If silicone fluid is so touchy/nasty, why does the military specify it
> >(particularly given the range of extreme conditions they operate in)?
> > Ditto with racers?
> >
> >
>
> As a racer, I don't know of anyone who uses silicon fluid. I use normal
> 550deg fuild from the local store - nothing special, and I change it every
> two seasons and bleed every couple of races. When I bleed the brakes, I
> flush at least two fills of the master cylinder reservoir thruough, so maybe
> I am changing all the fluid then! Others who upgrade use dedicated racing
> fluid from AP, or similar. No one I know uses silicone, largely because of
> the pedal softness problem.
>
> Brian
----
You are changing a high percentage of the fluid with this routine, so it
may indeed constitute a fluid change. My recommendation for a flush &
refill procedure is based on output rather than input. I want to be sure
the old fluid is replaced all the way to and in the wheel cylinders
and/or calipers. I suggest you add a visual check of the fluid discharge
to your routine, if you don't already. My routine:
Use a turkey baster (buy your own; *don't* take the one from the kitchen
drawer ;-)) to remove as much fluid as possible from the master(s).
Refill w/fresh fluid. Bleed until fresh clear fluid shows at all slave
cylinders, keeping the reservoir full of course.
Use the vehicle manufacturer's recommended sequence for order of
bleeding, if available; otherwise start with the cylinder farthest from
the master and work through to the closest.
Thanks for the information on racers' choice of fluid, Brian. Does
anyone know what's in the "dedicated racing fluid from AP?" My guess is
a high grade of DOT 4, perhaps similar to what Mercedes call 4+ as
mentioned in another message in this thread.
Joe
--
==brake cylinders sleeved with brass==
==One-Wire conversions and rebuild
kits for GM alternators 1963-85==
==Quincy, CA==
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