Ray, specifically, I was not making a recommendation, nor was I endorsing
the article I forwarded, and I do not know when it was written. I was
adding to a pool of information, already filling up, some of which is
probably fact and some of which is definitely myth. Unfortunately, in a
medium such as these "lists", oft repeated fiction takes on the aura of
fact. Your observations may be correct. I do know that DOT 5.1 is not a
silicone product.
YMMV (as well as your stopping distances)
Cheers Peter C
===
At 01:55 PM 11/22/2001, Ray wrote:
>This is OLD stuff. Current silicone conforms to DOT 5+ as well as FMVss116
>specs.
>The US military no longer uses the old glycol type fluid. Why don't they
>use the old stuff if it is so superior? Maintainance.
>The information below, from Lockheed, is at least fifteen years old......in
>fact it is almost verbatim from a pamphlet from 1978 that I have in the
>shop.
>The improvement in viscosity has done away with the hanging effect, and has
>ameliorated the gas retention.
>For those who regularly pour water into the braking system, you may have a
>problem as the silicone doesn't absorb it. If it works its way down to a
>point at the brake friction area (calipers, wheel cylinders), and gets hot
>the water will boil. Just like it does when dissolved in the old stuff.
>Have you wondered why you change regular fluid, and why the stuff you get
>out is black?
>Because normal fluid absorbs moisture from the very air, much less when it
>is introduced in liquid form.
>The black stuff that you bleed out is oxidation (corrosion). Oxidation of
>the rubber seals, the cylinder walls, the piping, the master
>cylinder......the entire system.
>In addition, the absorbtion of moisture drops the boiling point of the
>glycol based fluid immensely.....and this produces a "vapor lock" of immense
>proportions!
>Note that the data contains a plug for Lockheeds "SupremeDOT5.1" brake
>fluid.......
>SAE has done some new research data on the current crop of silicones, as has
>some British agency. It shows silicone to be far superior, with the caviat
>that you must be sure that the air is out.
>This exact discussion was covered ad nauseum in the Tiger list.
>If you like to rebuild brakes, bleed brakes, remove paint, etc. use the old
>stuff.
>If you would rather drive the car, use the silicone.
>There is room for everyone.
>Best,
>Ray
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