[TR] Converting from DOT3 to DOT5 hydraulic fluid in my TR4A

[Bud Rolofson]

Oh, I forgot to mention what a boost it was for my Ego. I was just bursting with pride afterwards.  😂

Bud

Sent from my Commodore 64

> On Aug 21, 2021, at 8:44 AM, Bud Rolofson <levilevi at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> I guess I did less than the minimum. No blowing out lines or flushing. I added DOT 5 to the the MC and bled the brakes until DOT5 (it has a distinct color) came out. 
> 22 years later it is still working just fine through many miles and numerous autocrosses.
> 
> Bud
> 
> Sent from my Commodore 64
> 
>> On Aug 20, 2021, at 9:52 PM, dave <dave at ranteer.com> wrote:
>> 
>> There are many misconceptions, and downright incorrect opinions on this.
>> 
>> First of all, DOT 3/4 is hygroscopic (please note that hydroscopic is
>> totally incorrect; it refers to a hydroscope, something used to looking at
>> things underwater).  
>> 
>> Which means it absorbs water.  Which means it must be flushed on a regular
>> basis.
>> 
>> The only reason to use DOT 3/4 is if you are racing (DOT 5 has a much lower
>> boiling point) or if you have anti lock brakes.  That's it.  Or, you really
>> like bleeding your brake and clutch systems.
>> 
>> If you do the research, and look at FACTS, not opinions, old wives
>> (mechanics) tales, and general misinformation, DOT 5 is superior because it
>> doesn't eat paint and doesn't absorb water so its much less maintenance.
>> 
>> Those that claim DOT 5 will "trap" water and cause rust are misinformed.  IF
>> you do the research, which I have done extensively, you will learn that
>> because bleeding removes all moisture from the system, DOT 5 systems are far
>> LESS likely to rust than DOT 3/4.
>> 
>> DOT 5 does not eat paint when you spill it or when the hydraulics fail.
>> 
>> People who claim that DOT 5 is bad for rubber and seals are again,
>> misinformed and incorrect.
>> 
>> If your system failed after installing DOT 5, one of two things happened.
>> It was about to fail, or you did not flush the system.  DOT 3/4 when mixed
>> with DOT 5 creates sludge, a very bad thing in the brake system.  You need
>> to at minimum blow out the system if not flush with alcohol.  To the lister
>> who claimed his brake system leaked "because of DOT 5" that is impossible.
>> DOT 5 is silicone, which is actually good for rubber and seals.  If you
>> experienced failure after switching to DOT 5 the system was about to go
>> anyway or you did not adequately flush the system or it was user error.  NOT
>> DOT 5.  
>> 
>> Please, folks, do the research.  Don't rely on hearsay or "old mechanics
>> tales."  I have extensively researched this issue because there is SO MUCH
>> misinformation out there.
>> 
>> On a personal note I have converted numerous cars to DOT 5 with nary a
>> problem. 
>> 
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>