Guy,
The two articles you refer to are exactly the ones I was referring to.
Mr. Adlers monthly column, in Vintage Truck magazine, is called Notes
from the Corrosion Lab, and contains some very good and interesting
information.
BTW, I re-read the articles, and could find no mention of a combination
of fluids will cause the seals to soften. My understanding is that the
two fluids simply will NOT mix, or combine, other than the purple dye in
the silicone fluid transferring into the glycol-based fluids. So, there
could be no possibility of a COMBINATION of the two causing seals to
soften, swell, and distort. What I got from the article is that the
silicone fluids are more likely to cause seal problems (softening and
swelling), if the seal material is not compatible with silicone.
But then, Adler (and Frank C) recommends replacing all rubber components
in the hydraulic system, when converting to either type..which is not
what I initially remembered reading. Since the two fluids wont
combine/mix with each other, and form a substance that attacks the
seals, I have to assume (and my assumption also assumes that the seals
are silicone-compatible, which may or may not be the reality in a given
application) that Adler recommends the change of rubber components as a
precaution against normal tear and tear/pre-existing defects.
At any rate, I highly recommend that all Spridgeteers reading this post
should read the articles which Guy has so thoughtfully included the
links to, in his note to me.
Thanks, Guy.
Bud Osbourne
-----Original Message-----
From: Guy R Day [mailto:grday@btinternet.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 8:50 AM
To: Bud Osbourne
Subject: Re: Brake fluid question
Whilst they will not mix they do affect the seals differently (each
fluid on its own have no detrimental effect) but a combination of fluids
will cause the seals to soften, swell and distort. Bud is right in his
comment; <snip>'This does NOT mean that I'm advocating that anyone drive
their car with BOTH types in the system, topping off with which ever
type is handy, at the time.'<snip>
It has been mentioned before (but not referenced) that:
<http://www.adlersantiqueautos.com/articles/brake1.html>
http://www.adlersantiqueautos.com/articles/brake1.html
and
<http://www.adlersantiqueautos.com/articles/brake2.html>
http://www.adlersantiqueautos.com/articles/brake2.html
contain good info.
Guy R Day
A-H Sprite MkIV
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