Syntheic Clutch Fluid
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Athens Alabama
Syntheic Clutch Fluid
I have found a syntheic clutch fluid that is good for 527 deg. F. The product is used by NASCAR teams for both their brakes and clutches. It is made by AP Racing, AP 600 Brake Fluid both DOT 4 and 5 rated. Has anyone tried this approach to solving the soft clutch problem / deteriating fluid problem?? I plan on having dealer to install product if feed back is good, to rectify burnt black fluid.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: stafford country, va. Avatar: Me on turn 3 @ Bristol (The World's Fastest Half-Mile)
I have found a syntheic clutch fluid that is good for 527 deg. F. The product is used by NASCAR teams for both their brakes and clutches. It is made by AP Racing, AP 600 Brake Fluid both DOT 4 and 5 rated. Has anyone tried this approach to solving the soft clutch problem / deteriating fluid problem?? I plan on having dealer to install product if feed back is good, to rectify burnt black fluid.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,837
Likes: 4
The issue seems to be more with degradation of the fluid than with it boiling. I don't know if a high-BP fluid would degrade more slowly or not, but its certainly possible.
The other question is how much of the problem is due to heat and how much to contamination. Although the common opinion seems to be that its mostly heat, I suspect contamination plays a role in this too.
It that's the case, extensive flushing with inexpensive fluid makes more sense than putting in expensive stuff. Maybe trying some top-of-the-line stuff after going through a liter or two of cheap stuff would be worth trying?
But if you want to try it and let us know, here's some data on brake fluids:
Valvoline SynPower 502/343 $6/liter
ATE TYP 200/Super Blue 536/392 $11/liter
AP 600 590/410 $36/liter
Motul 600 593/420 $30/liter
Castrol SRF 590/518 $75/liter
As you can see, the price goes up pretty fast! On the other hand, if a bottle of SRF would fix the problem once and for all it would be worth it.
The other question is how much of the problem is due to heat and how much to contamination. Although the common opinion seems to be that its mostly heat, I suspect contamination plays a role in this too.
It that's the case, extensive flushing with inexpensive fluid makes more sense than putting in expensive stuff. Maybe trying some top-of-the-line stuff after going through a liter or two of cheap stuff would be worth trying?
But if you want to try it and let us know, here's some data on brake fluids:
Valvoline SynPower 502/343 $6/liter
ATE TYP 200/Super Blue 536/392 $11/liter
AP 600 590/410 $36/liter
Motul 600 593/420 $30/liter
Castrol SRF 590/518 $75/liter
As you can see, the price goes up pretty fast! On the other hand, if a bottle of SRF would fix the problem once and for all it would be worth it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,611
Likes: 5
From: Thousand Oaks California
I have found a syntheic clutch fluid that is good for 527 deg. F. The product is used by NASCAR teams for both their brakes and clutches. It is made by AP Racing, AP 600 Brake Fluid both DOT 4 and 5 rated. Has anyone tried this approach to solving the soft clutch problem / deteriating fluid problem?? I plan on having dealer to install product if feed back is good, to rectify burnt black fluid.
If you find a dealer to install the AP 600 DOT 4 Brake Fluid , how will they flush the system? The only way I know is to drop the drive shaft tube to a access the bleeder on the slave cylinder.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,837
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As I recall, at least one forum member has reported that he was able to install the LAPD remote bleeder without dismantling the car. Supposedly it wasn't much harder than performing laproscopic surgery while wearing a blindfold and boxing gloves.
So, at least in theory, its possible to bleed the clutch without taking it all apart. Or even install the remote bleeder, which would make it a piece of cake to flush and bleed the system.
One of these days I'm going to try it. Of try to talk my wife into doing if for me (thinner hands), but I don't think I can afford enough jewelry to bribe her with.
So, at least in theory, its possible to bleed the clutch without taking it all apart. Or even install the remote bleeder, which would make it a piece of cake to flush and bleed the system.
One of these days I'm going to try it. Of try to talk my wife into doing if for me (thinner hands), but I don't think I can afford enough jewelry to bribe her with.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 67
From: USA
Katech uses the GM DOT 4 in the clutch. However, they installed a clutch bleeder that will allow me to change all the fluid with ease any time I wish. I do have AP 600 in the brakes. Katech sells the remote bleeder but I don't know how hard it is to install.
