[PPCC] Brake Fluid

[David Feasel]

My 2 cents worth on this. I've used dot 3 on new systems and old. No
problem. Like Ed said, if you know what is already in the lines use it.
Like Steve, I've used used dot 3 on partial brake placement not knowing
what was in there and everything is fine.
   Grumpy.

On Thu, Sep 13, 2018, 5:39 PM MICHAEL PIPER via PPCC-list <
ppcc-list at corvair.org> wrote:

> Since we've been invited to Chime in...
>
> I have a 1965 Corsa. Everything was new except wheel cylinders which I
> honed and rebuilt. I put in the Clarks dual master cylinder conversion
> which really doesn't matter to this discussion. I put DOT5 silicone fluid
> in it. While it works great, solid pedal and all that, it was hard to bleed
> because if you are too vigorous pumping the brake when you bleed it you
> will likely get air bubbles in the system and never get a firm pedal. So,
> when you pump it before opening the bleeder, pump it SLOWLY. When you let
> the pedal back up, do it SLOWLY. When you add fluid to the reservoir, do it
> SLOWLY and carefully and let the bubbles rise before you start back in.
> When I say SLOWLY, allow two-three seconds where you might normally allow
> one when bleeding. In retrospect, I probably should have used DOT 3 but I
> don't want to mess with flushing the silicone out to switch it now.
>
> On my 1966 Monza I used DOT3, again with a dual master cylinder
> conversion. New hoses and wheel cylinders, mostly old steel lines. The
> problem I ran into there is apparently the omission of the check valves and
> smaller ports in the piston area of the newer master cylinder means that as
> you pump it and let the pedal up after opening the bleed screw you also
> need to do that slowly to allow the chambers to fill. Air bubbles are not
> much of a problem when adding fluid. Once I figured out how to chase the
> air out I have solid pedal there too.
>
> A good thing about DOT 5 is it will not eat paint and doesn't dry out our
> skin like DOT 3. Don't get either one in your eyes.
>
> Regards,
>
> Mike
>
> On September 13, 2018 at 5:15 PM Ed & Cheryl Halpin via PPCC-list <
> ppcc-list at corvair.org> wrote:
>
> Hi John,
>
>
> Glad to hear from you.  Great question!  Others can chime in, but I'll
> give you my two cents.
>
>
> In my '60, I redid all of the brakes at the point of restoration (master
> cylinder, hoses, and wheel cylinders (did not need to do lines), and I went
> with toe good old DOT3 brake fluid.  Have not had any issues with water in
> the lines, or stiffness of pedal. The bleeding process went as normal, no
> issues.
>
>
> In my '67 Sedan, I only had to replace the wheel cylinders (all lines, the
> dual master cylinder and hoses were all in good shape) and do a brake line
> flush.  For that one, I again used the DOT3 fluid, and I have never had an
> issue, nice stiff pedal and no issue bleeding the brakes.
>
>
> In the '62 wagon I just completed, I wound up replacing both rear brake
> lines, hoses, and wheel cylinders, while I was in there doing the complete
> rear suspension upgrade (went to the '64 leaf spring set-up).  The car came
> to me with DOT5/silicone already in the lines, and I saw no need to replace
> it (if it aint broke, ...) so I bought a bottle of DOT5, bled the system as
> normal, and I've had a nice stiff pedal on the car.  No weird issues or
> problems bleeding the brakes.
>
>
> As to the article you had read, I'm not sure either what it would mean for
> it to be hard to bleed.  Once set up, it's a closed system, and in our arid
> climate (even Denver is considered a high plains desert), I'm not sure how
> much of an issue it is.
>
>
> Now, those are the three vehicles I can speak to.  Other folks in the
> Club, chime on in with your thoughts.
>
>
> *Ed Halpin, PPCC*
>
>
> On September 13, 2018 at 5:02 PM John Kull via PPCC-list <
> ppcc-list at corvair.org> wrote:
>
> Greetings from Grand Junction!
>
> Those of you that know me know that I am really new to Corvairs. I am
> working with my son on a 67 Monza and we plan to replace EVERYTHING in the
> braking system. I have acquired new lines, hoses, shoes, master cylinder
> and am rebuilding wheel cylinders. My question is about fluid. I keep
> hearing folks talk about DOT 5 or silicone brake fluid. The Clarks website
> seems to push it and I hear that many folks use it on older cars since it
> will not attract water. It all sounds good but the other day I ran across
> an article that gave a few downsides saying silicone fluid is hard to bleed
> and if you live in a dry climate (which I do) that you really can stick
> with DOT 3?
>
> So I am asking the club members - what do you ladies and gentlemen use on
> your cars, trucks and vans?
>
>  DOT 3 or DOT 5 and what does it mean that silicone fluid is "hard to
> bleed?"
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> JK
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