[Spridgets] What fluid for clutch master cylinder?

[Kitterer Bob]

When we did the restoration in 1997 I put in DOT 5 because I did not want to risk eating the paint.  It was just fine until two years ago when the master cylinder seals gave up.  So I replaced all the seals in the system, master cylinder, wheel cylinders and clutch cylinder.  Regardless of how much DOT 5 I pushed through the system there was no pressure anywhere.  I then ran across some information that said there were no seals for our cars that would work with DOT 5.  That was just at the time we started our travel adventures and the car was put in storage.  We will be moving back onto the house this spring at which time I will be readdressing this problem.

Bob Kitterer and Dolores

1960 Austin Healey Sprite (Mk IV in disguise) - in storage
1966 Austin Healey Sprite Mk III (Trevor) - still in boxes - in storage

On Oct 12, 2011, at 8:32 AM, Allen Hefner wrote:

> I'm not sure what you're saying, Bob.  Do the seals not seal because you
> used DOT5?  Or you redid the hydraulics because the seals were no longer
> sealing and then you switched to DOT5?  Or am I over-analyzing?
> 
> Stick with DOT4 or Castrol LMA.  Both have a higher boiling point than
> DOT3.  The only thing going for DOT5 is the paint thing.  Water in the
> system should not be a problem if you flush and refill it every two years.
> 
> Allen Hefner
> Norristown, PA
> 
> *Current:*
> 2006 Chebbie
> *Former:*
> 1963 Sunbeam Alpine Series III
> 1967 Triumph TR4A IRS
> 1964 VW Type I
> 1967 VW Type II
> 1967 Rover 2000TC
> 1977 MG Midget
> 
> 
> 
> On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 1:35 AM, Kitterer Bob <bkitterer at me.com> wrote:
> 
>> Yes, have been using DOT 5 for years.  When I redid my hydraulic system a
>> couple of years ago none of the seals would seal so the car sets waiting for
>> us to finish our adventures.  Was just hoping there might be another choice.
>> 
>> Bob Kitterer and Dolores
>> 
>> 1960 Austin Healey Sprite (Mk IV in disguise) - in storage
>> 1966 Austin Healey Sprite Mk III (Trevor) - still in boxes - in storage
>> 
>> On Oct 11, 2011, at 5:07 AM, Brad Fornal wrote: