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Re: Oil, Brake & Clutch fluids - opinions

To: "Simmons, Reid W" <reid.w.simmons@intel.com>,
Subject: Re: Oil, Brake & Clutch fluids - opinions
From: Atwell Haines <carbuff@nac.net>
Date: Thu, 03 Jun 1999 22:07:42 -0400
At 12:33 PM 6/3/99 -0700, Simmons, Reid W wrote:
>
>
>I would like your opinions on motor oils and brake and clutch fluids.
>
>Motor oil:  Brands,  Weight/Viscosity,  Synthetics,  Synthetic blends.

If you drive the car a lot, use a synthetic to extend your oil change
intervals. If not, use any modern 20W-50 (as specified).   Even the
synthetics get contaminated with acidics during warmup so you should still
change oil at least 3 times a year. (Not very cost-effective IMHO)

 Synthetic blends?  I think that's a marketing ploy, myself.
>
>Brake & Clutch fluids:  Brands,  Type (DOT),  Silicone

Again, change every year to prevent water buildup and corrosion in the
lines. Use a DOT 4 like the Castrol LMA. (Hint:  Ford sells a Castrol HD
brake fluid for trucks under their own label.  It has a very high boiling
point... popular with racers. Cheaper than LMA too.)

Silicone still allows moisture into the lines, it just doesn't mix with it.
Pedal feel is not as good with silicone, I'm told.

Atwell Haines
"Why are a wise man and a wise guy opposites?"




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