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Brake fluid- Dot Dot Dot

To: MGS@autox.team.net
Subject: Brake fluid- Dot Dot Dot
From: Brian Warmuth <warmuthb@vms.wlsc.wvnet.edu>
Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2000 12:06:39 -0400
Well, I was always told the following....also read various information
sources to have independently confirmed it....at least in my mind
(feeble as it may be). BTW I have always used Dot 4 in all of my MG's
except for the last total resto...an MGA roadster which I have used DOT
5 (silicone) with excellent results (3,700 miles since).

Also, no matter what the can says, ya shouldn't mix the various types.
Sort of makes me ikky all over just to think about it.

DOT 3 = Standard US motor industry fluid....mineral oil based - O.K. for
synthetic rubber seals as used in US cars.

DOT 4 = (Castrol LMA) recommended for MG and other British cars (in
past) as it was alleged that the "natural" rubber was damaged by mineral
oil based fluids. DOT 4 is  organic based? and for that reason was the
only fluid to put in your MG- it didn't eat Lockheed or Girling seals.

DOT 5 = silicone   What can I say.....some like it and some don't.
Suppose it has advantages for some, disadvantages for others, but for me
its the stuff from now on.

I suspect that given modern times, and the probable rebuild of old MCs
with new synthetic rubber seals that DOT 3 is just fine for them.
However using "old" parts, I would stick with the manufacturers
recommendations.

Flame suit status - "on"

Brian           52TD, 58 ZB, 59MGA, 60 Farina Magnette

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