healeys
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RE: brake fluid

To: <healeys@Autox.Team.Net>
Subject: RE: brake fluid
From: "Jim LeBlanc" <jleblanc@midsouth.rr.com>
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 2004 17:58:25 -0600
Cautionary note to all BN1 and BN2 drivers. 

Using silicon brake fluid has been known to slightly swell parts in the
master cylinder. This causes a failure in the pressure release passages.
(Not certain I am describing this correctly.) Then end result is that your
speed is greatly reduced and those brake drums get smoking hot. 

This condition is relieved with some additional machine work done to the
master cylinder. I sent mine to White Post and they knew the subject. 

Yes I believe in silicon brake fluid and for all the right reasons, but look
into this subject and form an opinion for yourself. 

I have never heard of a problem using silicon brake fluid with cars made
after the BN2's. 

Best Regards

Jim LeBlanc
1956 100-M 

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-healeys@Autox.Team.Net [mailto:owner-healeys@Autox.Team.Net] On
Behalf Of davidwjones
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2004 2:29 PM
To: James Shope; healeys@Autox.Team.Net
Subject: Re: brake fluid

Jim,
I don't know whether current rebuild kits are ok with std brake fluid or
not.
In order to avoid the question altogether, I have used silicon brake fluid,
which absorbs less moisture than the others, and has the added benefit of
not
eating paint if it leaks or spills.
Some claim that the silicon fluid gives a spongier pedal, but I have not
found
this to be so.

David W. Jones
'62 Mk II BT7 tricarb
Cumberland, RI USA

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: James Shope
  To: healeys
  Sent: Monday, December 20, 2004 11:18 AM
  Subject: brake fluid


  after destroying my complete brake and clutch system some 30 years ago by
  using american brake fluid, i was told that the british used live rubber
and
  therefore you had to use ester based fluids, i.e., castrol or lockheed,
etc.
i
  have been told that the brake and clutch parts are now made of neoprene or
  some such synthetic and that american(petroleum based) fluids are ok.  i
still
  only use castrol but am i wasting my money or being smart?  healeymanjim




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