clutch fluid
09-13-2009, 01:07 PM
#2
Race Director
You can use either dot 3 or dot 4 fluid. They are compatible. The difference is the dot4 has a slightly higher boiling point. Brand is not important unless you want to go with racing type fluid. My local parts place has Prestone brand on sale fairly often so I pick up a couple bottles when it is on sale. Buy a smaller container. The master cylinder for the clutch only holds about 2 Oz. A 12 Oz container will let you use the Ranger methog of replacing the fluid about 6 times. Open bottles of brake fluid tend to extract moisture out of the air so buying a large bottle probably means you will be throwing it away soon.
I personally use the Amsoil DOT4 fluid, it has a boiling point of 593 degrees F. but any brand will work.
09-13-2009, 01:59 PM
#3
Race Director
Member Since: Aug 2000
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 0
Received 26 Likes
on
20 Posts
In 2007 GM change the spec to DOT4 for all Corvette clutches, including the C5.
Suggest avoiding Valvoline and any house-brand.
I've used GM-brand Super DOT4 and Prestone DOT4 with equal good results.
Ranger
Suggest avoiding Valvoline and any house-brand.
I've used GM-brand Super DOT4 and Prestone DOT4 with equal good results.
Ranger
09-13-2009, 05:06 PM
#5
Race Director
I respect Ranger's opinion.
Previously I was not aware he suggested avoiding Valvoline.
I have been using Valvoline DOT 3 & DOT 4 fluid for 4 years on our 3 Vettes without issue.
Previously I was not aware he suggested avoiding Valvoline.
I have been using Valvoline DOT 3 & DOT 4 fluid for 4 years on our 3 Vettes without issue.
09-13-2009, 05:15 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Nov 2008
Location: Arden NC
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've been using Valvoline for a while too.
Good to know.
Last edited by Black04Z06; 09-13-2009 at 06:10 PM. Reason: spelling
09-13-2009, 05:52 PM
#8
Race Director
Member Since: Aug 2000
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 0
Received 26 Likes
on
20 Posts
In 2002, I tested one can of Valvoline's so-called "DOT3/DOT4" in my 2001 Z06. In otherwise pristine clutch fluid, the Valvoline leached to black immediately and wouldn't come clear with repeated swaps. It seemed to react badly with the seals. As a conseqence I switched to ATE SuperBlue Amber and the fluid cleaned up to normal.
That's why I don't recommend Valvoline. But if it is working for you, no reason to change.
After testing an assortment of fluids I settled in on GM Super DOT4 and Prestone DOT4. They perform equivalently. The Prestone is widely available and 1/5 the price of the GM brand.
Ranger
That's why I don't recommend Valvoline. But if it is working for you, no reason to change.
After testing an assortment of fluids I settled in on GM Super DOT4 and Prestone DOT4. They perform equivalently. The Prestone is widely available and 1/5 the price of the GM brand.
Ranger
09-13-2009, 05:57 PM
#9
Race Director
In 2002, I tested one can of Valvoline's so-called "DOT3/DOT4" in my 2001 Z06. In otherwise pristine clutch fluid, the Valvoline leached to black immediately and wouldn't come clear with repeated swaps. It seemed to react badly with the seals. As a conseqence I switched to ATE SuperBlue Amber and the fluid cleaned up to normal.
That's why I don't recommend Valvoline. But if it is working for you, no reason to change.
After testing an assortment of fluids I settled in on GM Super DOT4 and Prestone DOT4. They perform equivalently. The Prestone is widely available and 1/5 the price of the GM brand.
Ranger
That's why I don't recommend Valvoline. But if it is working for you, no reason to change.
After testing an assortment of fluids I settled in on GM Super DOT4 and Prestone DOT4. They perform equivalently. The Prestone is widely available and 1/5 the price of the GM brand.
Ranger
OP- and everyone else for that matter - If Ranger is replying you can bet he knows what he's talking about. He knows a C5 clutch and how to drive one as well
