Got a whole bunch of goodies unpacked & checked in from Willcox & Muskegon. I've rebuilt my original (non-sleeved) calipers twice & they're leaking again, so it is time for sleeved units.

I want to preface this by asking that we not argue why or why not to change to silicone brake fluid. I've read a lot on that already.

Anyhow, included with the brake kit from Muskegon is 2 quarts of Dot 5 fluid. After reading several threads on here over the years, I know that you have to completely flush the Dot 3 out of the system if you change to dot 5. Most have said to use denatured alcohol.

I have a motive power bleeder, which will help.

Now for the questions:

1) Are there any write-ups that specifically detail how to do the denatured alcohol flush and change-over to Dot 5? I have some ideas, but am a little apprehensive about getting all of the dot 3 and all of the alcohol out of the system so that the only thing in the lines is the silicone based fluid. My thought is to alcohol flush with the old calipers & master cylinder on, change the hoses, MC & calipers out, and bleed the new set-up until I see blue fluid with no bubbles. Good idea or bad?

2) I haven't ruled out staying with Dot 3. Is there any readily available tinted dot 3? Is there a safe way to add a color tint to dot 3 so I can tell when I'm getting fresh fluid out of the bleeder screws?

3) Am I over-thinking this?

I'm guessing I will drive the car maybe 1500 miles per year after I get the brake system fixed. I've quit driving the car because of how little confidence I have in leaky calipers.

Thanks for the advice!

 

How about going to DOT 5.1 which is compatible with DOT 3.

 

wouldn't you be able to tell new Dot 3 fluid once it goes clear, instead of the burnt color it usually is after a while

 

I flushed mine 4 years ago. It's real easy to tell when the syrup stops flowing and clear brake fluid comes out!!

 

This sounds interesting. I've not heard of Dot 5.1 fluid. However (and this is the cheapness in me talking) if I were to buy new fluid rather than use the fluid included in Muskegon's shipment, I'd probably go with Dot 3... just to make the whole process easier.

I never thought of this. I will say that fluid usually comes out pretty clear when I have bled, but even then, i bet there is a difference between "pretty clear" and new fluid.



I'll keep an eye on this thread. Thanks everyone.

 

The brake switch/proportioniing valve can't be "flushed"... it has to be disassembled to clean it out.

 

It sounds like you drive your Vette as much as I do. I put SS sleeved calipers on mine way back when Stainless Steel Brake Corp. first started doing them (late '70's or early '80's). I used Dot 3 fluid and change it every 3 years and have never had any problems with the system. You will definitely notice the new fluid when it reaches the tubing on your bleeders. Can't miss it, or mistake it for old. If you're driving on the street, all you need is the good old Dot 3. Merry Christmas!
Duane

 

I'm not sure how switching to 5.1 would make anything easier. I'd stick with DOT3 and be done with it.

 

I really think I'm leaning toward this. Brake fluid is cheap anyway.

I drove it around the block last night & the brakes went from sort-of working to not working... to the point of putting the car in neutral and pushing it into the garage by hand.

I'm really excited about the project. The brakes have been crap ever since I've had the car.

 

DOT3 is fine as long as you flush the system regularly as was intended by all manufacturers "back in the day". DOT3 absorbs water and this contributes to repeated brake system failure. If you honestly want to "be done with it".... switch to silicone. My first pass with silicone lasted 20+ years. When I took the system apart to refresh it, the fluid was just as clean as it was the day I put it in, and there was no rust. At 20+ years of use, all I did was filter some fine rubber particles out of it and re-use it. Now it has been in there 30 years +. Whether you use DOT3 or silicone, if you have lip type (factory) seals, they will flat spot and leak if you don't drive the car regularly.

 

Get Valvoline brake fluid. It meets Dot4 specs but is the same price at other name brand Dot3 fluid.