I've been running silicone in my Bugeye for two years or so. I've had no
problems at all, even with fabled brake light pressure switch. I bought the
switch from VB so it is probably of Chinese origin.
All parts, including brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, etc were new
when I put in the silicone. The master cylinder was brass sleeved and
rebuilt at the same time.
Larry Miller
----- Original Message -----
From "Jim Juhas" <james.f.juhas at snet.net>
To: <Ajhsys@aol.com>
Cc: <cbking@mail.alum.rpi.edu>; <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2001 9:05 AM
Subject: Re: Silicone fluid, WARNING: Newbie Question
> Can you review the current thinking on the issue of using silicone fluids?
I
> have heard and read various opinions on this and wonder whether owners are
using
> it or not. My spridget, unfortunately, doesn't get out as much as it
should, and
> hibernates in the winter. (It competes with several vehicles for seat
time.) It
> presently has DOT5 in the clutch hydraulics, and all continues to work
well after
> 4 years or so. And, my motorcycles use DOT5 in their hydraulics (HD and
Yamaha)
> with no problems whatsoever, and in all of this, I prefer the moisture
resistance
> of the silicone fluids.
>
> So am I just unusually lucky in my Spridget experience in that I have no
leaks or
> seal deterioration, or is DOT5 a reasonable substitute under these dormant
> conditions?
>
> Ajhsys@aol.com wrote:
>
> > DOT 3 will probably not cause any problems in newer Midgets. The older
cars
> > have a brake light switch that is in the brake line and hydraulically
> > operated. The seals in it (or at least the original seals) will be
destroyed
> > by US spec. DOT 3 fluid. (Which is different than UK spec DOT 3, just
to
> > confuse the issue.)
> >
> > Newer Midgets use an electric brake light switch at the top of the
pedal, and
> > won't have that particular problem.
> >
> > DOT 4 is generally better because it has a higher useful temp. range.
Also,
> > make sure you change the fluid every two years for regular street use,
> > annually if you race or autocross. I like Castrol GT LMA, but Valvoline
has
> > a synthetic DOT 4 fluid that is probably pretty good, and more
expensive.
> > Changing the fluid regularly will avoid all sorts of problems. All
brake
> > fluid (except silicone) absorbs water, and the water causes most of the
> > problems, like soft pedal, rust in the system, etc.
> >
> > Did I get that right Ed?
> >
> > Allen Hefner
> > SCCA Philly Region Rally Steward
> > '77 Midget
> > '92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
|