Another Brake Fluid Question

["Jim Cantrell" <jimc@sysdiv.sdl.USU.edu>]

Randy Wilson et al wrote:

> >Recently, while discussing my brakes with a jag "specialist" mechanic he
> >indicated that the only type of brake fluid that I should be putting into
> >the system is "Castrol Girling" fluid.  According to him any other
> >manufacturer's fluid will lead to the early demise of seals and/or hoses.
> >
> >Is this in fact true?  I thought that as long as the fluid was Dot 3 spec it
> >would be OK.  I am planning to bleed my brake system shortly and would
> >appreciate input.  Thanks in advance.
> 
> 
> Like the Lucas reputation, this chunk of "wisdom" will not die. But at
> least this one has it's roots in truth. *Old* Girling and Lockheed 
> systems supposedly did not get along with typical "american" DOT3
> fluids. The rubber (supposedly natural) turned to mush and swelled.
> If this was ever true, and I do believe it was, it went away in the early 
> 70's. I've known many MG's, Truimph's, and Jag's from the 70's and 80's
> that got fed the cheapest shit-of-a-fluid availble with no obvious ill
> effects.

Yes, I found this out the hard way on my 63 E-type.  Its true and has 
kept me a believer ever since.  I have wondered though if this was 
just the older cars and if the new ones are the same.

> 
> However, Castrol LMA Dot4 fluid is reasonably priced, available virtually
> everywhere, and "the right stuff". It's all I've used in any car (except
> a few of the faster race cars) for the last twenty years.

All of our local suppliers have stopped carrying it here in northern 
Utah.  I'm considering changing over to a silicone based fluid.  Does 
anyone have any experience with it in Jags ?  Anything to do or not 
to do that I should know about ?  Thanks in advance.

Kind Regards,

Jim Cantrell

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Follow-Ups:

• Re: Another Brake Fluid Question
• From: Randy Wilson <randy@taylor.infi.net>

References:

• 85 XJ-S : Brake Fluid Question
• From: ee84287@goodnet.com (Weiss-Malik)
• Re: 85 XJ-S : Brake Fluid Question
• From: Randy Wilson <randy@taylor.infi.net>

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