DOT 5 Fluid Analysis-Samples Needed

[Mark L.]

I think at this point many of us would like to get to the bottom of the "silicone" brake fluid issue. Patrick Boyd recently conducted a comprehensive analysis of several elastomer compounds via subjecting them to time/temp exposure using two samples of DOT 5 fluid he possessed.
From comments on this tech board and the Corvette Forum it seems there have been varying results with different fluid brands. One member had poor results more recently. Gary Seymour has had acceptable results with the Cartel brand of fluid. I have fluid that is from the 90's and this has preformed well since then in my 66. It was also used in a restored 67 more recently and also preformed well.
My intent is to have 3 to 4 samples tested via FTIR to understand if there is any detectable difference between them. I will include my 1990's shelf sample and a sample recently provided by a member that meets the USPS standard. I need a Cartel sample and a "bad" sample from someone who had caliper and M/C leaks. I hope some members out there can help out! My email is lincolnmark@hotmail.com Thanks

[Patrick H.]

Re: DOT 5 Fluid Analysis-Samples Needed

I think I have plenty of the Cartel, including one opened container.
You're welcome to a sample if there is an easy (?) way to get it to you.

[Mark L.]

Re: DOT 5 Fluid Analysis-Samples Needed

Thank you Patrick. Just need an ounce or so in a clean container. My address is on the second page of the Restorer. Ed Dinapoli used a priority small flat rate box to send his USPS sample to me. Now we just need a sample that is associated with leaks!

[Thomas N.]

Re: DOT 5 Fluid Analysis-Samples Needed

Mark
That is really great that you are pulling this together to help understand things! It will be great to see the results!

[Patrick B.]

[Joe L.]

Re: DOT 5 Fluid Analysis-Samples Needed

I don’t think Lone Star knew the rubber type of their o-rings.

Patrick-------


I think that this is the BIG problem, not the type/brand of DOT 5 fluid.

[Patrick H.]

Re: DOT 5 Fluid Analysis-Samples Needed

Patrick-------


I think that this is the BIG problem, not the type/brand of DOT 5 fluid.

I would agree.

[Gary B.]

[Joe L.]

Re: DOT 5 Fluid Analysis-Samples Needed

Boy, I just find it incomprehensible that Lone Star would not know the type of rubber used in their O-rings. How is that possible with a company that specializes in brake cylinder products? They buy rubber components from a supplier who won’t or doesn’t tell them what the rubber is made from??? No composition specs? Maybe it’s true, but I’m amazed and shocked.

Gary

Gary——

I’m very surprised, too. But, I really believe that if their seals, o-ring or lip, were peroxide cured EPDM, there would be no problem with Silicone fluid.

[Ed D.]

Re: DOT 5 Fluid Analysis-Samples Needed

Patrick-------


I think that this is the BIG problem, not the type/brand of DOT 5 fluid.

From my experience, I agree its the rubber compound not the fluid.
Ed

[Gary B.]

Re: DOT 5 Fluid Analysis-Samples Needed

From my experience, I agree its the rubber compound not the fluid.
Ed

[Mike L.]

Re: DOT 5 Fluid Analysis-Samples Needed

I've used DOT 5 silicone brake fluid in my car for 24 years, and had NO problem.

[Mark L.]

Re: DOT 5 Fluid Analysis-Samples Needed

Still hopeful that a member will be able to provide a sample of DOT 5 fluid that is associated with significant leaks in calipers and M/C.

[Ed D.]

Re: DOT 5 Fluid Analysis-Samples Needed

I spoke with Ken at lone star and blamed the dot 5 for the leakage and did not want to talk about the rubber being used. When I asked him about the rubber being used in US Government Vehicles which uses dot 5 (except with anti lock breaks} he became very indigent, and that is where the discussion ended.

[Gary B.]

Re: DOT 5 Fluid Analysis-Samples Needed

Still hopeful that a member will be able to provide a sample of DOT 5 fluid that is associated with significant leaks in calipers and M/C.