Re: 85 XJ-S : Brake Fluid Question

[Mike Cogswell <mcogswel@mnsinc.com>]

Randy Wilson 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.<snip> 
> 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.

<snip>

> >
> >Rob W-M
> >85 XJ-S
> >
> 
>    Randy K. Wilson
>      randy@taylor.infi.net

Randy is, of course, correct.  British cars from the 50's used Girling "green"
brake fluid.  American (DOT) fluid would destroy the rubber seals VERY quickly.  In a
fit of ignorance, I flushed the fluid from the brakes in my '59 MGA and replaced
it with fresh fluid.  (This was circa 1965.)  Very shortly I was rebuilding my master
and all wheel cylinders.  This was still a problem with my '61 Lotus, but by the
time my '74 E-Type was built this was no longer an issue.  It specifies DOT fluid
in the handbook.

-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------
Mike Cogswell				mcogswel@mnsinc.com
'74 E-Type OTS
'88 XJ-S Convertible (Hess&Eisenhardt)
-----------------------------------------------------------

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References:

• Re: 85 XJ-S : Brake Fluid Question
• From: Randy Wilson <randy@taylor.infi.net>

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