Lee A. Blake wrote:
>
> I'm thinking of switching from standard brake fluid to silicone brake
fluid.
> Wondering if I need to do a special flush of the brake system to clear
out
> the old fluid (Lockheed), and if so, what do I use to do the flushing.
> Or can I just flush the system with the new silicone fluid?
>
> Lee Blake
> '60 Plus 4, 4 seater
==> Whoa, Nellie! Why change? Who told thee to change?
Old-style clean brake fluid designed for the system should work.
Abrupt change of color. Anaerobic purging of the brake system is
required.
Ask a Alfa 105-series expert pilot. They have experience with perhaps 2
or 3 brake type variations in a single model year. They may have
experience with the same Lockheed brake system as does Lockheed and old
airplane mechanics. You can get correct info by calling a Alfa
dealer-racer such as DeFinizio Imports in Essington, Pa. The lifetime of
a natural fluid may be poor, but may be required - as was the proper
engine oil, gear oil, gasolene, ethyl, and water/antifreeze. Different
types of brake fluid are NOT compatible with each other. The rubber
seals in the master cylinder and rest of the system can be eaten alive
by contamination. You may be OK in changing to Mobil 1 or a more modern
engine oil if you flush. The Alfa required special antifoaming
characteristics. The Shell answer man and Mobil or duPont petrolab
should know about oils. Why take a chance on catastrophic failure? Why
not let me drive the four-seater? Great Car!
Ben Palmer
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