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Dot 5 brake fluid
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 09 10:00 pm
by ANTON
Can anyone let me know if there is any problem with using dot5 brake fluid in my 68 charger. just want to know if it will affect the seals and valves adversely.
Thanks for the advice
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 09 10:25 pm
by TrevD
ive heard a lot of differing reports but dot 5 is synthetic and some early systems have trouble with it. dot 3 was what your car was originaly using (or the earlier fluids it superceded) from personal experience dot 4 is ok and less agroscopic than dot 3(dosnt absorb as much water) i know harley davidson say that dot 5 isnt compatible with their braking systems.
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 09 11:28 pm
by Rich
Dot 5 is like fully synthetic engine oil.....its the best available...provided your equipment was designed to use it.
Agree with Trev,Dot 4`s the way to go.
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 09 11:46 pm
by Anonymous
TrevD wrote: less agroscopic .
Shouldn't thst be 'hydroscopic'?
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 09 9:20 am
by Ivor
I think you'll find it's hygroscopic...strange as it may seem!
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 09 9:28 am
by Anonymous
So it is mate, a tee-shirt and pen with my picture on are winging their way to you as we write.
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 09 10:02 am
by Stu
TrevD wrote: less agroscopic .
Clivey wrote: Shouldn't thst be 'hydroscopic'?
Ivor wrote:I think you'll find it's hygroscopic...
Why, it could be GREASE LIGHTNING!!!! (Bom bom bom bom.....
)
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 09 10:09 am
by Anonymous
Oh what a sharp cookie Stu.
Very funny.
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 09 10:12 am
by Stu
Sorry, dull day at work...
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 09 10:51 am
by Pete
Humor north of Watford, whatever next????
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 09 11:33 am
by Ivor
Well it made me laugh Stu!
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 09 2:09 pm
by MrNorm
Advantages:
Does not damage paint at all
Does not absorb water
Disadvantages:
Does not absorb water
...so any water that gets into system will pool (e.g. at the wheel cylinder) and you could get some local rusting
Very expensive
IIRC it has a higher boiling temp than DOT3/4, but unless you are circuit racing I would not worry. Or use DOT 5.1 (hi temp mineral) - on balance, that is what I used.
Contrary to popular belief, they are all compatible, it's a DOT requirement - but why would you want to mix expensive synthetic with cheapo mineral. But anyway, you do NOT have to do a serious flush with solvent etc as many have done. You can do it, but not necessary other than if you want to remove all traces of the mineral fluid.
PS some ABS systems have an issue with it - that is why it is not always recommended by OEM's, not a problem for us.
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 09 4:52 pm
by Stu
Ivor wrote:Well it made me laugh Stu!
Glad to help brighten your dull Friday, Sir!
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 09 8:35 pm
by ANTON
thanks for all the advice and help
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 09 7:22 pm
by AllKiller
Anton, used in my Cuda since it was rebuilt 12 years ago...NO problems