[6pack] Silicone Fluid

[Navarrette, Vance]

        John:

        I don't think that the controversy will ever die. I will say that the
DOT standards require backwards compatibility for the most part, and if the
lubricating properties were markedly inferior, it does not seem likely that
DOT would approve the stuff. But that is just my opinion...
        I can say that I converted the TR6 brakes and clutch to DOT 5 when I
restored my car, and so I never had to flush out the old stuff because
everything including the brakes lines were new.
        On my mini (NON TR6 CONTENT ALERT!!!) I simply flushed with DOT 5
(expensive, but I did not know what else to do) until the brake fluid was
purple out of the bleed nipples, and never looked back. The rear slave
cylinders were new, and the MC was rebuilt, but the brakes lines still had
DOT4 in them. So far no issues, and the brakes really rock. Firm pedal, etc.
        As always, your mileage may vary. But I have been very happy with the
conversion.

        Vance


    Vance Navarrette
    Cogito Ergo Zoom
    I think, therefore I go fast

-----Original Message-----
From: 6pack-bounces+vance.navarrette=intel.com at autox.team.net
[mailto:6pack-bounces+vance.navarrette=intel.com at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of
Dombey, John R.
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 11:15 AM
To: 6pack at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [6pack] Silicone Fluid

Eric,

I've been running the purple stuff since early 2003 with no issues that
I can attribute to the fluid.  The clutch master wept just a little from
day one, but it was a unit that I had rebuilt during my restoration, so
I suspect either marginal seals or poor workmanship on my part.  I
replaced it with a new one last year and everything has been fine since.
I too was worried about paint damage with DOT 3, and at the time the
paint was fresh and shiny...

OTOH, Greg at BPNW is pretty knowledgeable - he's never steered me
wrong, and has saved my bacon a couple of times.  The poor lubrication
comment seems strange - isn't silicone inherently slippery stuff?

John
'69 TR6