jan eric

Can you mix (correctly/safely) DOT 5 with DOT 4 , as I have now done this?

Shark Racer

No. DOT3/4, but not DOT5.

CudjoeScott

Time to bleed those brakes (or the clutch fluid) and refill with DOT4. Bummer, Dude.

RichieRichZ06

Do not use Dot 5 (Silicone based fluid) in any ABS system.

You have to COMPLETELY flush it out now and start over.

Sorry!

BEZ06

DO NOT USE DOT 5!!!!

DOT 5.1 is okay, but don't use DOT 5!!!

Read this:

http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...fluid_1a.shtml


Flush the DOT 5 out of your system and put in a good DOT 4 or 4+ (which is DOT 5.1).

Bob

jan eric

I did the Ranger CLUTCH fluid with 3(only) reservoir changes with DOT 5. I am hoping the words 3 only helps me here!

viperZ06

these are the kinds of post that give so much value to the forum. guy needs help....gets it. Viper

LFZ

don't have an answer for you..but I am looking forward to what others have to say for you, since its in your clutch fluid..

RichieRichZ06

Truthfully, the best way to get it all out is to replace the parts. The silicon based fluid will kill the seals and rubber parts in the system. It also does not absorb moisture like regular fluid and will cause the other parts of the system to rust instead of the fluid absorbing it. At least that's what I hear.

CudjoeScott

This backs up RichieRich (not that he needs it ) and is something I found from the Greater Atlanta British Motorcycle Association at http://www.gabma.us/docs/dot5.pdf . Regarding mixing DOT5 and other fluids...

"While it’s permissible to mix DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 brake fluids, DOT 5 Silicone fluid
cannot be mixed with any other type. If the system is not completely purged before
conversion, the mixture may gel and result in very poor braking. Therefore conversion
usually requires disassembly and a thorough cleaning, or at least numerous bleeding sessions
over several days. Obviously then, the best time to consider conversion to DOT 5 is before
rebuilding the master cylinder or caliper."

I would suggest you flush the system thoroughly (multiple times) and then get it to a shop so they can assist you. This sounds like a major job. Sorry for your troubles.

allanlaw

Assuming you don't own your own Tech2, you will need to have the system professionally bled using a Tech2 to get ALL of the DOT5 out of the system, including the ABS system. Do it a few times (brake fluid is comparatively cheap) and then keep your fingers crossed. Good luck.

EDIT: Did not notice your later post suggesting the DOT5 went into the clutch system, not the brake system. Disregard my comments about the Tech2 and ABS system. However, I would still do a complete clutch system bleed - not cheap, but really the best idea.

Shark Racer

As he's only done it to the clutch fluid, he's pretty lucky.

I think a couple bottles of cheap fluid followed by a bottle of good stuff should be just fine. Assuming, of course, that he bleeds the entire system on the rack.

Definitely wouldn't trust the master cylinder swap trick for fixing this one...

RichieRichZ06

If nothing else, he does have a friendly dealer that will take care of him.

allanlaw

I wish we were all so lucky, well, at least me . . .

RichieRichZ06

Thanks man. :o

jan eric

I flushed 32 ounces of Dot 4 using the Ranger method. I auto-xed (Saturday)with the mix of DOT4/5 after flushing in 3 cycles using the Ranger method ,last Friday. When I opened the cap(yesterday) the liquid looked as it did when I added it (a light blue tinge) . I wonder if the silicon DOT 5 floated to the top? Does the Ranger method flush only part of the brake/clutch fluid? Or is supposed to flush all of the liquid? Thanks for the help!

CudjoeScott

It's only a partial replacement of fluid. Old fluid still remains in the clutch system. To completely drain, you need to have it flushed/bled (probably multiple times). There is a bleeder valve on the clutch assembly that is used. I hear it's a bear to get to and some racers have a "quick bleed" installed to make this process easier. I can understand your hesiatation to take your Z to a dealer, but I'd really recommend taking it to RichieRich. His reputation is stellar in here and I've never heard one bad thing about his service dept. JMHO.

RichieRichZ06

It does not flush anything. It simply dillutes the fluid a little at a time. Each time you do the procedure, it adds a little more of the new fluid to the system. Because of the design of the system, this is the easiest way to do a fluid change. I would bet you are probably OK at this point. If something goes wrong due to the contamination, you will know.

Sorry we missed the ESCA Auto-X. Our weekends are still crazy since we just got back from the Honeymoon and still have wedding stuff to clean up. I look forward to making as many of their events as possible next year though.

RICH

RICH

jan eric

Thank you all. Rich hope to see you soon!