<VV> silicone brake fluid

[Bill Elliott]

DOT 5.1 is a great idea for older systems as well... none of the 
recognized disadvantages of silicone, yet the same or higher boiling 
points, full compatibility with older DOT 3/4, yet less of the 
disadvantages of those fluids. Several (anecdotal) horror stories about 
Corvair systems and DOT 5; none with 5.1 (now being sold as "DOT 3/4 
compatible fully synthetic".. with the "DOT 5.1" dropped due to consumer 
confusion) and MUCH easier switchover.

Bill Elliott

Chris & Bill Strickland wrote:

> Mixing Dot 3 with Dot 5 does produce some yucky looking fluid, like 
> you mixed it with a pack of Jell-O, but, if the question is whether 
> this yucky looking stuff actually applies hydraulic pressure to the 
> wheel cylinders or not, the answer is yes, it works, but it probably 
> also looses the advantages of a Dot 5 conversion.
>
> An alcohol flush is prefered, followed by drying, but a bit of Dot 3 
> contaminent is not the end of the world, nor even the end of your 
> braking system.  Numerous webpages on this conversion with many 
> opinions to share, just search them out -- plus all the info you'll 
> get here.
>
> Be sure to inspect brake hoses while you are at it -- if you can't 
> remember when they were last replaced, do it again, now.  They are 
> like tires -- old used ones might work, or they might not ... 
> I like Dot 5 for these vintage brake systems.  Check out Dot 5.1 for 
> newer systems - great stuff!
>
> Godspeed!
>
> Bill Strickland
>