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RE: Silicone brake fluid conversion

To: tvr@autox.team.net
Subject: RE: Silicone brake fluid conversion
From: "Ayer, John K" <John.Ayer@PSS.Boeing.com>
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2000 10:21:08 -0800
Aha! Safe on paint... that is reason enough alone.  
A very useful reason, too
Not that our cars ever leak :)

Kimball Ayer
1977 2500M
#3723TM

> ----------
> From:         Rikrock@aol.com[SMTP:Rikrock@aol.com]
> Reply To:     Rikrock@aol.com
> Sent:         Saturday, December 09, 2000 9:32 AM
> To:   tvr@autox.team.net
> Subject:      Re: Silicone brake fluid conversion
> 
> In a message dated 00-12-07 16:33:53 EST, John.Ayer@PSS.Boeing.com writes:
> 
> <<  I've heard many arguments back and forth among racers, autocrossers, 
> concours folk, and noone has any compelling argument for it's overall benefit.
>  Also I've done track days, autocrossed, and shown my 2500M (and assorted 
> Fiats) and have no trouble or complaints against the standard Castrol LMA.
>  (Brake pad material, that's a different story!)
>  Of course this has been mostly here in  the cool NorthWest, I can't speak to 
> what might have happened in Arizona :) >>
> 
> Listers,
> 
> Ah, "THE GREAT (silicone) DEBATE"  has found its way to the TVR list!  As a 
> subscriber to various British Car lists I have seen this topic discussed many 
> times.  It comes up at least once a year on every list, and a clear winner 
> has yet to emerge.
> 
> It seems to be one of those unanswerable questions.  For every person who has 
> evidence to support his position, there is someone else with evidence to 
> refute it.
> 
> I converted to Silcone when I did a complete overhaul on my Vixen brakes a 
> few years ago.  I have run many autocrosses, hillclimbs, and track events, 
> and I have never experienced any problems.  In fact, my brakes work great.  
> Now I don't think the silicone fluid should get the credit, except maybe in 
> the case of track events (due to its higher boiling point).  I never 
> experienced the "soft pedal" that some have complained about, so I believe 
> that the "soft pedal" is due to improper installation of the fluid and/or 
> improper bleeding of the system.  It seems to be ESSENTIAL that you use the 
> right technique through the entire process.  
> 
> Is there a compelling reason to use it in a street car?   Well, it is nice to 
> not have to worry about messing up a painted surface when there is a leak or 
> spill (like when you change front brake pads, forgetting to siphon off some 
> fluid from the master cylinder, retract the caliper pistons and fluid goes 
> everywhere).  Not that I would ever make such a mistake, but I have heard 
> stories ;>)
> 
> An interesting article  can  be found at this address:
> 
> http://www.xs11.com/tips/maintenance/maint1.htm  
> 
> It seems to be one of those unanswerable questions.  For every person who has 
> evidence to support his position, there is someone else with evidence to 
> refute it.
> Let us know what you decide, Irv, and how it works for you.
> 
> Rich Rock
> Pottstown, PA

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