Unless you plan to race the car, DOT5 (silicone, not DOT5.1) is an
excellent choice for brake fluid for "extra" cars that see a lot of
storage. Not only does it leave paintwork intact if it spills, but it also
resists moisture absorption and thus protects internal brake surfaces like
caliper pistons. It does, however, readily absorb air, which is why some
people report spongy pedals...you do need to be extra diligent when
bleeding. This air absorption (air compresses, unlike brake fluid) is one
of the main reasons DOT5 is not recommended for racing. The clutch lines
are much less stressed, especially heat-wise, so DOT5 works well in them too.
Usually, people switch to silicone after rebuilding the brake
system. Another way to do it is to run denatured alcohol through the lines
to clean out the old fluid. Some people just pour it in, but you are
cheating yourself of the full benefits of silicone..mixing will work,
though, as it's a legal DOT requirement that all brake fluids must work
with every other type of brake fluid.
---------------------cut-------------------------
Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2001 21:11:14 -0500
From: Jim Henningsen <jdhenn@cfl.rr.com>
Subject: re: Dot 5 and Paint Codes
I use Dot 5 in my six. Switched over when I redid all of the brake
components. I haven't noticed a difference with normal around town
cruising and I like the fact that my new paint job will be better off.
My two cents
By the way. My 6 was originally brown (maple brown I assume) but my ID
plate says paint code 73. I haven't been able to find this code in any
of the books. Any on got an idea or is TRF code list wrong. They show
maple brown (1975) as 83.
Jim
75 TR6
80 TR7
Kissimmee, FL
- - ----- Original Message -----
From: "R. Ashford Little II" <ralittle2@mindspring.com>
To: "Georgia Triumph Club" <gatriumph@gatriumph.com>
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2001 2:02 PM
Subject: [gtr] DOT5 survey
> Does anyone use DOT5 in their clutch or brake system? I am
contemplating
> switching and would like some feedback.
>
> Thanks
>
> Ashford
William Whitmoyer
69 TR6
90 BMW iX
91 CRX Si
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