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Re: Europa-List: Brake trouble

Subject: Re: Europa-List: Brake trouble
From: ivor.phillips <ivor.phillips@ntlworld.com>
Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 08:59:22

> 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
>
With the added incentive that Glycol based brake fluids DOT 3/4/5.1 (five 
point one) are a much better lubricant and flows easier, So bleeding the 
system is a doddle,
In my case, Just screwing a small funnel into the reservoir and filling to 
the top to create a head of pressure was sufficient, Just crack open the 
bleed nipples and watch the air being expelled,
Ivor 




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