Tom:
On Monday, 15 September 1997, at 16:48 you wrote:
>What alternative brake fluid can I use in my 77B? Should I order the
>suggested or is there something cheaper I can pick up at the local
>autostore?
I recommend that you skip the suggested, and skip something cheaper, and
switch to a DOT 5 silicone brake fluid:
* Higher boiling point
* Works in drum or disc systems
* Does not absorb water
* Lubricates seals (doesn't 'swell' them)
* Won't harm painted surfaces
* Doesn't deteriorate like DOT 4 and lower
* Mil-spec quality
You'll need to completely flush your braking system before using the
silicone fluid, as DOT 5 is incompatible with the lower numbered grades.
Costs around $15.00 a quart, but since it doesn't absorb water, you can
reseal it with a piece of plastic film (ie, Saran-wrap) under the cap,
and safely store it. Buy it in the quart size as the pint cost is
something like $6.00 (at four pints to a quart, it'll save you $9.00). I
think I got mine through the local Champion Auto Parts store.
On my '79 Midget, I used aerosol brake parts cleaner to flush my lines
with. Since I had previously rebuilt all the hydraulic components
(including the clutch parts) before switching to the silicone fluid, I
only spent about $21.00 and 4 hours. The result is a much stiffer pedal,
and less maintenance to the braking system. Since the silicone doesn't
absorb water, you won't need to bleed the system as often -- and, if you
have the plastic reservoir, you'll be able to see your fluid level much
more easily, as the silicone fluid has a distinctive purplish cast to it.
Luck,
Rich Arnold
Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA
richard.arnold@juno.com
"It is wise to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties."
James Madison ca. 1791
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