[Spridgets] Bad braking

[Bud Osbourne]

"England is a DAMP country!" J   Seriously, though, in some areas, moisture
is not really a problem.  However, you are quite correct in your statement
about moisture being retained in the line as a free (separate) fluid.

Back in the 70s, silicone was widely used in race cars over here.  I don't
know when it fell into disfavor, but I suspect it was after some of the
"warts" begin to show up (such as the fact that it will not absorb
moisture).

Also, it is my understanding that none of the major chemical companies still
produce the stuff and the stuff that is out there, now, varies greatly in
it's performance characteristics.  I know of at least one "high-end" Porsche
restoration shop that no longer uses the stuff, due to concerns over the
actual composition of the stuff.

Then, there are others who swear by it, simply because it is so
non-destructive to paint/coating systems.

For the record, I am not an advocate of silicone brake fluid.

 

Bud

 

From: WeslakeMonza1330 at aol.com [mailto:WeslakeMonza1330 at aol.com] 
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 12:50 PM
To: abcoz at hky.com; haynes386 at netzero.net; spridgets at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Spridgets] Bad braking

 

In the UK silicone/DOT 5 has rarely been used in racing cars and then not
for long.  Any moisture is retained in the fluid as a free liquid which can
turn to steam.

 

In a message dated 20/01/2014 15:46:53 GMT Standard Time, abcoz at hky.com
writes:

But, thirty years ago, when I was a "real racer" (SCCA E-prod. MGB),
silicone was pretty widely used in racing brake systems.  No problem with a
"spongy" pedal, ever........provided that the air was fully bled out of the
system.   I understand that silicone fluid tends to retain air bubbles
longer than glycol-based fluid.  It's all in how you handle the stuff, I
suppose.