[TR] Brake Fluid for TR3A

[Geo Hahn]

I also have switched 3 cars (2 TRs &  Jaguar) from DOT 3/4 to DOT5 by
simply sucking the reservoir dry, filling it with DOT5 and bleeding the
system until DOT5 came out of all bleeders.

In the years since (17, 16 and 5 years respectively) I have had no problems
attributable to this 'conversion'.

YMMV of course, but this is what worked for me.

Geo

On Sat, Sep 9, 2017 at 11:15 AM, Randall <tr3driver at ca.rr.com> wrote:

> Cliff Hansen <cliff_hansen at outlook.com> wrote:
>
> You can’t switch from DOT3/4 to DOT 5 without replacing _all_ of the
> non-metal parts: caliper seals, hoses, master cylinder seals, and
> thoroughly cleaning the metal parts.
>
> Actually you can. I've done it several times, including that Chevy I
> mentioned before and it has worked out reasonably well for me. I just
> filled the reservoir and bled at each corner until I got only clean, purple
> fluid.
>
> I suspect you don't get the full benefit of DOT 5 that way, but it worked
> for me. The leftover DOT 3/4 seems to collect in pockets that eventually
> turn to black goo, but only in places where it doesn't block flow (like the
> dead space in wheel cylinders).
>
> Didn't fix the leaky caliper on my old motorhome, but it did slow the leak
> way down. The rebuild kit that I eventually found for it is still on the
> shelf in the garage, even though the motorhome has been gone for 15 years
> <g>
>
> -- Randall
>
>
> On 9 September 2017 13:04:20 GMT-04:00, Cliff Hansen <
> cliff_hansen at outlook.com> wrote:
>>
>> You can’t switch from DOT3/4 to DOT 5 without replacing _*all*_ of the
>> non-metal parts: caliper seals, hoses, master cylinder seals, and
>> thoroughly cleaning the metal parts.  I’m guessing that they used DOT3
>> brake fluid as a lubricant when they assembled the master cylinder.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for
>> Windows 10
>>
>>
>>
>> *From: *David Friedlander <forzion7 at gmail.com>
>> *Sent: *Saturday, September 9, 2017 9:13 AM
>> *To: *Randall <TR3driver at ca.rr.com>
>> *Cc: *TR3 Triumphs <triumphs at autox.team.net>; Ann Carletta
>> <anncarletta at yahoo.com>
>> *Subject: *Re: [TR] Brake Fluid for TR3A
>>
>>
>>
>> Randall;
>>
>>
>>
>> I am installing new brake master cylinders in my TR3 and the boxes
>>
>> theycame in had the label you can see in the attached photo.
>>
>> What do you make of this?
>>
>>
>>
>> I run DOT5 in my TR6 without issue but am rebuilding this
>>
>> TR3 and wanted to use DOT5 here as well...
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>>
>>
>> Dave Friedlander
>>
>> Maine
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sat, Sep 9, 2017 at 2:35 AM, Randall <TR3driver at ca.rr.com> wrote:
>>
>> There is no clear consensus on brake fluid.  Some of us love DOT 5
>> silicone,
>> others hate it.
>>
>> But I do recommend that you find out what you have before topping up; and
>> also look for where it is leaking.  Since this is a single circuit braking
>> system, it only takes one leak to rob you of all hydraulic brakes.  Not a
>> good feeling, especially when you're going downhill into an underground
>> parking garage, and the handbrake is also broken!
>>
>> Also, if you don't have DOT 5, any other brake fluid will eat paint
>> promptly
>> and promote rust.  And any of them will ruin the rear brake shoes if it
>> gets
>> on them.
>>
>> If you do use one of the non-silicone formulas, you also shouldn't keep an
>> old can of it.  They suck moisture directly from the air, once the can has
>> been opened, and start getting old.  That's why you should always open a
>> new
>> can; and change it in your braking system every few years, even if you
>> don't
>> drive the car.  (Just one of the many reasons I like DOT 5, it doesn't
>> suck
>> <g>)
>>
>> Here is a good article (IMO) on the pros & cons of DOT 5
>> http://www.buckeyetriumphs.org/technical/Brakes/Fluid/Fluid.htm
>> If you are a glutton for punishment, you can also find the SAE papers that
>> it references here
>> https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2H2NJt34OffdnhWS19scjlNUU0
>>
>> Of all the TR3s I've driven and owned, only my current "barn find" 56
>> needed
>> lead (substitute).  I eventually changed the head, and now I don't use
>> lead.
>> My previous TR3A engine went well over 100,000 miles without ever having
>> lead added.
>>
>> -- Randall
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ** triumphs at autox.team.net **
>>
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>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
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