Did I screw up?

[Sledgehammer]

I needed to replace the Clutch Master and slave cylinder, and rebuilt the front brakes with new seals. I used DOT 3 fluid labeled compatible with SAE J1703 (which my Haynes manual says to use) but I was reading someplace recently about not using DOT3 but to use DOT4 as DOT3 detroys the seals over time. Did I screw up? Do I need to need to drain the DOT3 and put in DOT4? Would the new Clutch Master and Slave seals be "modernized" to work fine with the DOT3. This is on a 64 MGB.

 

[Gary Lloyd]

You should have used dot 4!! But what did the instructions that you got with the rebuilt units say??

 

[Dave Russell]

Sledge,
See this topic;
https://www.britishcarforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=5&t=000830
D

 

[Dr_EluSivE]

Nah, use silicone Dot 5.. Youll never have problems again.

Dr.

 

[aeronca65t]

Honestly, I'd bleed all the DOT3 out, bleed some DOT 4 through it....then fill and bleed with DOT4 and I think you'll be OK.
DOT3 will mix with DOT4 with no difficulty. If you choose to switch to silicon fluid, follow the advise on the thread that Dave referenced.
Also, I drain brake fluid every year or two on my Brit cars....I think this is really helpful if the car isn't used much, due to moisture absorbtion.

 

[Gordon]

Hi all,

over here in the wonderfully 'moist' UK, it is recommended that brake fluid be changed every 12-18 months service because it is known as hydrascopic - at least I think that's how its spelt! Which means, it absorbs water molecules from the atmosphere!
As a paint specialist, we hate silicone fluid as it can cause no end of problem when it comes to painting, although it is great for low maintenance.
If your needing a paint job in the near future keep off silicone!

Gordon
https://www.car-restoring.com

[ 09-18-2003: Message edited by: Gordon ]</p>