Brake Fluid

[Tom Bredehoft]

I'm re-assembling my 55 President State sedan. The brake lines had rusted off. The master cylinder had rusted solid (the pushrod was frozen in place.) I've replaced all wheel cylinders, am working on the lines and am about to install a new MC. Its from Studebaker International, its a Wagner, No. FE-2693. It says on the fill cap "Use only DOT 3 brake fluid." Is there any reason I can't use DOT 5 in it?

Please do not enter the discussion between the two brake fluids.

Studebaker International doesn't know the answer to the above question. I asked them.

[img=left]http://www.alink.com/personal/tbredehoft/Bothcars4.jpg[/img=left]
Tom Bredehoft
'53 Commander Coupe
'55 President (6H Y6) State Sedan
(Under Construction) 177 hrs.
'05 Legacy Ltd Wagon
All Indiana built cars

[64V-K7]

...No...

Bob Johnstone

[Guest]

I would like to know the reason why you can't use DOT 5.

Randy Wakefield
----------------------
1955 President sedan

"For the future that we wait..."

[Tom Bredehoft]

Thanks, guys, it's unanimous.

The only reason I can see for the warning is if you are replacing the master cylinder only and the system is full of DOT 3.

[img=left]http://www.alink.com/personal/tbredehoft/Bothcars4.jpg[/img=left]
Tom Bredehoft
'53 Commander Coupe
'55 President (6H Y6) State Sedan
(Under Construction) 184 hrs.
'05 Legacy Ltd Wagon
All Indiana built cars

[buddymander]

Because the warning about using only DOT 3 fluid was written before DOT 5 even came out?

[PACKERMAN]

I just installed a dual master cylinder (Chrysler style) in my Avanti that also told you right on the cap to only use DOT 3 brake fluid. It came with a bleeder kit and the instructions noted that you need to flush the system if you want to use Dot5. No kidding! I am also using Dot 5.

[fstst56]

Is Dot 5 silicone? I put everything new in my '56 G/H and had nothing but trouble. I was talking to a Hudson restorer and he said some of the rubber materials that come in some of the cyl kits will only work with regular brake fluid, whatever that is anymore. Anyway, I flushed the entire system with denatured alcohol, rebuilt cyls again and installed Dot 3 fluid. No more problems. I got my kits from NAPA and some of them looked like they may have been sitting around for sometime.

[64V-K7]

In response to 55 pres...

I didn't say he couldn't use it... He asked if there was a reason he couldn't, to which I responded "no"

Bob Johnstone

[53k]

quote:Originally posted by Tom B

I'm re-assembling my 55 President State sedan. The brake lines had rusted off. The master cylinder had rusted solid (the pushrod was frozen in place.) I've replaced all wheel cylinders, am working on the lines and am about to install a new MC. Its from Studebaker International, its a Wagner, No. FE-2693. It says on the fill cap "Use only DOT 3 brake fluid." Is there any reason I can't use DOT 5 in it? ...

I have used DOT 5 in my Wagonaire for at least 25 years with no problem, 25 years in my '53 which has a bad wheel cylinder right now (but probably has nothing to do with DOT 5). My '64 drum brake convertible was switched to DOT 5 before I got it and it, too, has been no problem.


[img=right]http://www.frontiernet.net/~thejohnsons/Forum%20signature%20pix/R-4.JPG[/img=right][img=right]http://www.frontiernet.net/~thejohnsons/Forum%20signature%20pix/64L.JPG[/img=right][img=right]http://www.frontiernet.net/~thejohnsons/Forum%20signature%20pix/64P.jpg[/img=right][img=right]http://www.frontiernet.net/~thejohnsons/Forum%20signature%20pix/53K.jpg[/img=right]Paul Johnson, Wild and Wonderful West Virginia
'53 Commander Starliner (since 1966)
'64 Daytona Wagonaire (original owner)
'64 Daytona Convertible (2006)
Museum R-4 engine
1962 Gravely Model L (Studebaker-Packard serial plate)
1972 Gravely Model 430 (Studebaker name plate, Studebaker Onan engine)

[Tom Bredehoft]

My concern was the stamped message on the Wagner master cylinder. The cylinder appears to be of new manufacture.

I, too, have no reservations about DOT 5 brake fluid, just this cylinder. I guess I'll find out.

[img=left]http://www.alink.com/personal/tbredehoft/Bothcars4.jpg[/img=left]
Tom Bredehoft
'53 Commander Coupe
'55 President (6H Y6) State Sedan
(Under Construction) 184 hrs.
'05 Legacy Ltd Wagon
All Indiana built cars

[glen]

Yes....DOT 5 is silicon, but if you're starting with a fresh and
clean system...shouldn't be any problems. But like DOT 3&4, the
biggest issue with all 3 is moisture....so keep a close eyeball
to the color of the fluid over time.

glen Brose - Perkinsville, AZ

[59r2]

DOT 3 is fine in a new system, dot 5 is better,your choice.
The problem on the older cars is the master cylinder usually has a fresh air vent . The vents would allow air and moisture in ,and over time the moisture would react with the fluid causing jell-o type substance,and rot any cast-iron it came in contact with ,also steel lines.
I have had silicone in my 60 lark conv for over twenty five years (in a fresh and rebuilt system).
I did have a problem in my 59ht with a wheel cylinder leak.But the brakes were never enough for the way I drive that car so I changed to turner disk brakes.
There is something to the fact that silicone tends to leak on over honed wheel cylinders.
JOE


1959 HARDTOP R2 clone
1960 conv
SDC member since 1972

[53k]

quote:Originally posted by 59r2

DOT 3 is fine in a new system, dot 5 is better,your choice.
... There is something to the fact that silicone tends to leak on over honed wheel cylinders.

Amen to that! The only leaks I have had are from honed and relined cylinders. In fact, Billy Thompson, White Post Restorations, doesn't recommend DOT 5 in his relined cylinders. I also have had leaks where the crossover pipes screw in to the caliper pistons on several disc brake cars I have had. In other words, silicone can find leaks that DOT 3 won't.


[img=right]http://www.frontiernet.net/~thejohnsons/Forum%20signature%20pix/R-4.JPG[/img=right][img=right]http://www.frontiernet.net/~thejohnsons/Forum%20signature%20pix/64L.JPG[/img=right][img=right]http://www.frontiernet.net/~thejohnsons/Forum%20signature%20pix/64P.jpg[/img=right][img=right]http://www.frontiernet.net/~thejohnsons/Forum%20signature%20pix/53K.jpg[/img=right]Paul Johnson, Wild and Wonderful West Virginia
'53 Commander Starliner (since 1966)
'64 Daytona Wagonaire (original owner)
'64 Daytona Convertible (2006)
Museum R-4 engine
1962 Gravely Model L (Studebaker-Packard serial plate)
1972 Gravely Model 430 (Studebaker name plate, Studebaker Onan engine)

[Swifster]

As the system is entirely new, I would go with DOT5. For those with DOT3 in the system, during the next flush, Ford sells a DOT3 fluid for there medium and heavy duty trucks which is suppose to be better. I ran this fluid in my SCCA Suzuki with good results. I would have used DOT5 if the complete system had been replaced.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom - Mulberry, FL

1964 Studebaker Daytona - 289 4V, 4-Speed (Cost To Date: $2125.60)

[Lenny R2]

I have read someware that there are test strips that you can
check the amount of moisture in the brake fluid.i would like
to find a place that sells them.Any body know any thing about that.

Lenny
Atlanta Ga.