James -
If you want to avoid a bit of good-natured teasing, remember that the
long-chain polymer used as a plastic, a lubricant and in breast
augmentation is silicone (note the "e"). Silicon is sand. <grin>
Now to the advice. Your best bet is to do a complete rebuild (Master and
Slave cylinders, and replace the rubber lines). The silicone fluid will
cause your seals to swell less, and they will leak if they've been "bedded
in" with other brake fluids.
It makes the whole process a bit easier if you pump out all the brake fluid
(bleed it dry) and flush the system with denatured alcohol a couple of
times (just like you were bleeding the brakes). You'd be amazed at the
amount of creeping glop that will come out. Then rebuild the dual master
cylinder, the clutch slave, and all the wheel cylinders. Replace the
rubber lines. Refill with silicone brake fluid (be prepared to shell out
some significant $$$ for the fluid itself).
I did mine a couple of years ago and haven't had a spot of difficulty
since.
On Monday, December 29, 1997 10:40 AM, James D Rowan
[SMTP:jimrowan@uic.edu] wrote:
>
> Long story made short:
> Car in question: 60 Sprite with dual (braking/clutch) master cylinder.
> PO had accident with master cylinder during rebuild. Needless to say
> fluid spilled down fender eating paint leading into engine compartment.
> Currently, the MC no longer leaks but does have fluid buildup around the
> gasket making me nervous.
>
> I am debating what to do. I do have to get the fender repainted which
> necessates removal of the MC. So while at it I figure why not do a
> minor rebuild on the braking system and at the same time switch over to
> silicon fluid. Since I'm gonna haveta shell out $$ for paint I DO NOT
want
> a repeat of this accident on nice fresh paint. As for the current state
of
> the entire system, it was rebuilt 4 years ago. The lines are fine and
> there are no leaks in the system, stopping power is more than adequate.
> I would change out the rubber hoses for Stainless and
> throughly clean the lines. I am not looking for eyepopping stopping
> power, this car is not run hard. Can people who have done the
> change-over comment on their experiences (positive or negative) and, or
> point me in the direction of articles or reference sources.
>
> Much thanks,
> Jim Rowan
> 60 Sprite.
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