> Richard
> Can you explain the difference between Dot 5 and Dot 5.1 brake fluid? Also
> can you confirm that it is synthetic fluid that I require for my Trigear (if
> you have not explained it in the reply above).
> Steve Pitt #403
I thought I put it in my email/ But I will try again.
Firstly the numbering system is CR*P !
Normal automotive brake fluid is DOT 3, 4 or 5.1.
Normal Aviation brake fluid is a Mil-spec number MIL-H-5606G which is
similar to ATF and is coloured red.
The seals in brakes are normally made for the use of one or other of these
fluids, not both; and if you use the wrong one the seals will expand - yuk.
This DOT 5 brake fluid is a silicone brake fluid which does not affect
either type of seal.
SO :
The Mono calliper uses Automotive Brake Fluid and so does the single master
cylinder that goes with it.
When you use two of these master cylinders on the tri-gear Europa provide
new seals for the master cylinders to suit MIL-H-5606G because the Tri-gear
callipers use seals for MIL-H-5606G.
Now the standard seals in the Jamar dual master cylinder are designed to use
Automotive Brake fluid and thus with the standard tri-gear seals there is a
problem.
Europa have solved this by specifying DOT 5 brake fluid which is compatible
with both types of seal. But it is expensive - 32 for a litre !
Bleeding can be tricky and I hate to think of bleeding at 32 per litre :-(
Thus the decision to go automotive fluid which needed automotive seals for
the tri-gear callipers (and the Matco brake valve if you are using it).
Ivor Phillips has come up with the seals (including seals for the Jamar dual
master cylinder as I b*gg*red them by putting ATF in there !)
There is much talk of "synthetic" and "petroleum based" brake fluids. I
think they are confusing and ambiguous so my terms are more sensible
(allegedly !)
I hope that helps - I have laid it out all logically. Call me if you need
any more theoretical stuff. Call Ivor if you want the practical stuff !
Did I get it right Ivor ? I hope so - you were my teacher !
Richard
Richard F.W. Holder 01279 842804 (POTS)
Bell House, Bell Lane, 01279 842942 (fax)
Widford, Ware, Herts, 07860 367423 (mobile)
SG12 8SH email : richard.holder@avnet.co.uk
++++++++ Please note new email address ++++++++
Europa Classic Tri-gear : G-OWWW, High Cross
PA-28-181 : Piper Archer : G-JANA, EGSG (Stapleford)
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