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Re: DOT5 fluid; was Spitfire Clutch Question

To: Andrew Mace <amace@unix2.nysed.gov>
Subject: Re: DOT5 fluid; was Spitfire Clutch Question
From: Joe Curry <spitlist@gte.net>
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1998 10:43:57 -0700
I'll have to agree with Andy on this one.  IMHO, the only reason to use
Dot 5 is it is much healthier on the paint when it does start leaking.

Joe Curry

Andrew Mace wrote:
> 
> On Wed, 19 Aug 1998, Dave Chu wrote:
> 
> >   ...If you are doing
> >   both cylinders, flush the line and after the rebuild put in DOT5 fluid.
> >   Your hydraulic will last longer with DOT5.  I did this on my 78 Spit
> >   3 years ago with no problems so far....
> 
> Apologies to Dave for the following: please understand I am not flaming
> you or criticizing you in any way.
> 
> I've often wondered about hydraulics truly lasting longer with DOT5
> fluid. Using clutch hydraulics as an example, I've one Spitfire whose
> clutch system was rebuilt over 15 years ago and not touched since, and an
> early Herald saloon with at least 22 undisturbed years on the most recent
> hydraulic clutch cylinder rebuild. Both cars are/were stored for extended
> periods of time (over 20 years on the Herald; Spitfire, used as a very
> occasional autocross car, is used once or twice a year at most and has
> often been stored undisturbed 2-3 years at a time). Both cars used
> whatever the best Castrol/Girling fluid was at the time. (OK, the brake
> master cylinder in the Herald did go out during storage, but it hadn't
> been rebuilt -- might even be the original 1960 cylinder!)
> 
> I've never used anything but Castrol-Girling fluid in any of my Triumphs,
> and I've "run the gamut" from Crimson to Green to Amber to GT/LMA. I don't
> dispute your success with DOT5; I've just never seen longevity as a reason
> to use it. :-)
> 
> As always, YMMV!
> 
> --Andy
> 
>   * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
>   * Andrew Mace                         e-mail: amace@unix2.nysed.gov *
>   *                                                                   *
>   * Mrs Irrelevant: Oh, is it a jet?                                  *
>   * Man: Well, no... It's not so much of a jet, it's more your, er,   *
>   *  Triumph Herald engine with wings.                                *
>   *   -- The Cut-price Airline Sketch, Monty Python's Flying Circus   *
>   * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

-- 
"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."

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