C3 1981 Stringray brakes

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Dec 24, 2015 | 07:17 AM

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Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Dec 2015

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C3 1981 Stringray brakes

I have a possible leak in my brake system, but before it is identified I would like to know what type of brake fluid I should be using to top up the brake fluid

Dec 24, 2015 | 08:23 AM

Easy Mike

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2000

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

Likely to be DOT 3. Your owner's manual will probably mention it.

Dec 24, 2015 | 08:31 AM

fishslayer143

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2009

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From: new iberia la

Dot 3 was recommended in 1981.. however you can use Dot 4 , it is compatible and has a higher boiling point.. NEVER use Dot 5 ,it is not compatible without completely flushing the system and replacing the rubber hoses

Dec 24, 2015 | 09:59 PM

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3rd Gear

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Mike

Likely to be DOT 3. Your owner's manual will probably mention it.

Cheers, thanks very much for your help, have a great Christmas

Dec 24, 2015 | 10:00 PM

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Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Dec 2015

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Mike

Likely to be DOT 3. Your owner's manual will probably mention it.

Thanks heaps, hope you have a great Christmas

Dec 26, 2015 | 12:05 AM

Giddy-up Go

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Bussey, IA

Probably DOT 3 but you may want to do a complete change to help keep moisture out and switch to DOT 5 . Check it out and do some reading. I am going with DOT 5 in my rebuild!

Jan 5, 2016 | 12:37 PM

pippo350

Racer

Joined: Dec 2009

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From: South Italy

You can usa a good DOT 4 like motul RBF 660 with hight boiling point.

Jan 5, 2016 | 11:24 PM

454Luvr

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2015

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From: Austin TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Tuttle

Probably DOT 3 but you may want to do a complete change to help keep moisture out and switch to DOT 5 . Check it out and do some reading. I am going with DOT 5 in my rebuild!

You'll need to replace the entire hydraulic system if you do that. When DOT5 and DOT3 contact each other, they coagulate and form a jelly-like substance. For what it would cost to thoroughly clean all the "wet" components before introducing DOT5 into the system, you could probably replace everything. Incidentally, you probably know this, but DOT5 is more compressible and not as well suited to harsh use. I've only ever used it in lightweight hotrods (like T-buckets) where all the components are painted. A spill or leak of DOT3/4 on those can cost thousands to repair.