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SIlicon vs Glycol-based

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Basil

Basil

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I am at the point where I am about to attempt to fill me new brake system and bleed the system for the first time is years (after total re-build of the brakes). I was trying to decide whether to use silicon or Glycol fluid. I used to run Silicon and always thought it to give my brakes a slightly "spongy" feel, regardless of how well I bled them.

Anyway, I found a good article on silicon vs glycol on XKs Unlimited web site. Their logic makes sense to me, so I have decided to just be real careful (about the paint) and go back to the old standby, glycol-based fluid.
 
I used it in my Jag before, but always thought the brakes felt spongy. Where can you get Castrol fluid? Didn't see it at Auto Zone.
 
Where glycol-based is hydroscopic, silicone-based is air-scopic.
Gets little air bubbles that cause low pedal and sponginess.

The other issue is brake boosters.

Several marques have reported if the booster fails, and silicone goes into the combustion chamber, under the heat of combustion, it turns to silica (sand) and you just bought an engine.
 
Look in a phone book, if you still get one, and try to find a Castrol distributor in your area. They will know who they sell it to locally. I pay around $11.00 a quart. If you can't get any out there, I will gladly ship out a quart or two. BTW, it is now marked "synthetic", and I think is made by ATE. No biggie, it still works great.
 
Atlantic British (roverparts, miniparts. etc) sells it for $9.95, trouble is the shipping is about $12. But maybe they need a personal contact from you, Basil, get them as a sponsor and you'll have brake fluid coming out your ears.


But aside from that, Castrol lists your local Edgewood Autozone as a Castrol retailer, as well as Checker/O'Reilly/Kragen in Albuquerque. If tehy don't stock it sure they can get it. Even if they stumble they should give you the distributor name which is Western Refining in Albuquerque. Driving directions to 4020 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87105
35.5 mi – about 39 mins
Suggested routes


Edgewood, NM 87015

1. Head south 397 ft
2. Turn left toward Historic U.S. 66 W 72 ft
3. Turn right at Historic U.S. 66 W 0.5 mi
4. Take the 2nd right onto NM-344 N 0.2 mi
5. Slight left onto the ramp to Albuquerque 0.3 mi
6. Merge onto I-40 W 26.8 mi
7. Take exit 159B to merge onto I-25 S toward Las Cruces 6.2 mi
8. Take exit 220 for Rio Bravo Blvd 0.2 mi
9. Turn right at NM-500 W/Rio Bravo Blvd SE 0.4 mi
10. Take the 1st left onto Broadway Blvd SE 0.4 mi
11. Turn left at El Rey 0.1 mi
12. Make a U-turn 0.1 mi
13. Turn right at Broadway Blvd SE
Destination will be on the right 0.1 mi

4020 Broadway Blvd SE Albuquerque, NM 87105

Or there's always 2 alternative routes.

(go ahead and delete after having a good laugh, Basil, and hope you do find some time to squeeze in working up another rally this winter)
 
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