Doug Mitchell wrote:
>
> Phil Johnson wrote:
> >
> > --- david <engstrom@tstonramp.com> wrote:
> > > Subsequent to putting dot3 brake fluid in my
> > > mk2 I read that it
> > > will destroy the seals. Is this true?
> >
> > That's a new one on me. The only compatibility between
> > fluids that cause problems is Silicon Dot 5, and any
> > other brake fluid.
> >
> Rumors were, back in the old days, that something in DOT3
> brake fluid ate the live rubber seals that LBCs use. I have
> never seen any evidence of this. You are right about mixing
> DOT5 (Silicone) and any other fluid. Don't, repeat don't
> do it.
Trust me on this, it was no rumor. I don't know if it remains true to
this day, but back when that story was being told first hand, many (if
not most) of the seals in British brakes were made from natural rubber
and not the synthetic stuff being used in the US. People who used
common off the shelf brake fluid without heeding the warnings of the
brake manufacturers would fall victim to the reaction of the fluid with
the seals in their brake cylinders. The rubber softens and then starts
to dissolve turning the fluid black and needless to say causes brake
failure.
There has been much banter on this subject over the years, but my theory
is, "better safe than sorry". Either use Castrol LMA fluid or
completely purge the system and go to the new silicon fluid which is
inert and therefore doesn't affect natural rubber seals.
>
>
> > Best of luck, and happy motoring - don't forget to
> > register your car on the Spitfire Database!
Thanks, Phil for the plug about the database!!!
Regards,
Joe Curry
--
"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
-- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer
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