[TR] Converting from DOT3 to DOT5 hydraulic fluid in my TR4A

[Bud Rolofson]

I guess I did less than the minimum. No blowing out lines or flushing. I added DOT 5 to the the MC and bled the brakes until DOT5 (it has a distinct color) came out. 
22 years later it is still working just fine through many miles and numerous autocrosses.

Bud

Sent from my Commodore 64

> On Aug 20, 2021, at 9:52 PM, dave <dave at ranteer.com> wrote:
> 
> There are many misconceptions, and downright incorrect opinions on this.
> 
> First of all, DOT 3/4 is hygroscopic (please note that hydroscopic is
> totally incorrect; it refers to a hydroscope, something used to looking at
> things underwater).  
> 
> Which means it absorbs water.  Which means it must be flushed on a regular
> basis.
> 
> The only reason to use DOT 3/4 is if you are racing (DOT 5 has a much lower
> boiling point) or if you have anti lock brakes.  That's it.  Or, you really
> like bleeding your brake and clutch systems.
> 
> If you do the research, and look at FACTS, not opinions, old wives
> (mechanics) tales, and general misinformation, DOT 5 is superior because it
> doesn't eat paint and doesn't absorb water so its much less maintenance.
> 
> Those that claim DOT 5 will "trap" water and cause rust are misinformed.  IF
> you do the research, which I have done extensively, you will learn that
> because bleeding removes all moisture from the system, DOT 5 systems are far
> LESS likely to rust than DOT 3/4.
> 
> DOT 5 does not eat paint when you spill it or when the hydraulics fail.
> 
> People who claim that DOT 5 is bad for rubber and seals are again,
> misinformed and incorrect.
> 
> If your system failed after installing DOT 5, one of two things happened.
> It was about to fail, or you did not flush the system.  DOT 3/4 when mixed
> with DOT 5 creates sludge, a very bad thing in the brake system.  You need
> to at minimum blow out the system if not flush with alcohol.  To the lister
> who claimed his brake system leaked "because of DOT 5" that is impossible.
> DOT 5 is silicone, which is actually good for rubber and seals.  If you
> experienced failure after switching to DOT 5 the system was about to go
> anyway or you did not adequately flush the system or it was user error.  NOT
> DOT 5.  
> 
> Please, folks, do the research.  Don't rely on hearsay or "old mechanics
> tales."  I have extensively researched this issue because there is SO MUCH
> misinformation out there.
> 
> On a personal note I have converted numerous cars to DOT 5 with nary a
> problem. 
> 
> ** triumphs at autox.team.net **
> 
> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
> Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/triumphs  http://www.team.net/archive
> 
> Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/triumphs/levilevi@comcast.net