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Brake fluid

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Jedi Hopeful
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I am considering doing something with the Jag which I did with my TR6; switch to silicone brake fluid. Anyone see a problem with that? I just don't see the downside as compared to the Dot 3 or 4? I have noticed a little paint loss below cylinder and don't see why the switch would be a bad thing when this type of thing could be avoided.
Reid
 
Yeah, I see a big problem with that. Some of the major parts players in the Jag market will tell you never to use DOT5 with parts of the system. Like, the master cylinder. And the calipers.
Depends on year.

Be prepared to spend a lot of money.
You will need to remove, disassemble and clean all calipers. Rebuild with new parts. All new hoses.
Flush many times steel lines or replace.
Remove, disassemble, clean and rebuild master cylinder with new parts.
Have booster rebuilt with new parts.

Have reservoir cleaned, and if it's bad, try to find a new one.
If you have floats for low fluid, you will either need new units, or at least new "corks". as you cannot get the old fluid out.

I like the "feel" of 3 and 4. Just flush it out every two to five.

Dave
 
I concour with Dave completely. Much safer to just use Castrol LMA, and flush it on schedule. You can buy a small hand powered pressure bleeder for about 50 bucks that will make the flushes much easier. Given the price and availability of E type brake parts using the recommended dot 4 fluid is a better choice.
 
The reason for the controversy of fluids is that the DOT5 will not mix with DOT3/4. DOT4 is recommeded for Jag. Concour owners will refill systems with DOT5 but the system must be totally new with special seals and sensors, as DOT 5 supposedly will not harm paint.
 
When I restored my my E type ( 11 years ago) I changed over to Dot 5, everything was replaced. Haven't done a thing to it other than adding a little fluid once in a while.

Marv
 
I'm another Castrol LMA advocate.

Short of doing what Dave, Jesse and Marv have said (and done), the DOT 5 will be more bother than it's worth.
 
Thanks everyone. I think I'll stick to Dot 4 for the time being. What I'm reading summarizes to; Dot 5 and Dot 4 do not mix well and Dot 5 may not be compatible with rubber parts likely used in system. If I ever rebuild the braking system I will again consider switching to Dot 5.
Paint is expensive also, and I am suspicious of some fluid I am seeing under the car. As I said the car is new to me, however I will try to get a better look into this on the weekend.
Thanks again everyone. Reid
 
Hi Reid,

I would like to weigh in on the brake fluid issue. I have restored--hands on not contracted-- 16 different American cars. Each one has Dot 3 and other than flushing every couple of years I am happy with the Dot 3. My new XKE was a complete restoration by another fellow. He rebuilt everything and used Dot 5. So far (6 months) it too seems to be working fine. As the other guys suggested, conversion is time and $ consuming.

Greg in Montana
 
Greg: Note that Jags must use DOT4 as DOT3 is not rubber compatible in their systems. Whereas the American cars use neopreme parts and can use DOT3 or DOT4.
 
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