Synthetic or DOT-3 brake fluid - Welcome to The Amphicar Lovers Digest / Forum

**Synthetic or DOT-3 brake fluid -** 12-17-2005, 07:22 PM

While at Celina, I think it was Dave the Wave told me he used synthetic brake fluid. I am doing rebuild on my brakes. Does anyone else have experience with synthetic? Help me to treat amphi to the best.

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**Re: Synthetic or DOT-3 brake fluid -** 12-17-2005, 08:14 PM

--- In amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, Scott Whaley
wrote:
>
> While at Celina, I think it was Dave the Wave told me he used
synthetic brake fluid. I am doing rebuild on my brakes. Does anyone
else have experience with synthetic? Help me to treat amphi to the
best.
>
> I use Only synthetic in my Amphi. One nice thing about it is, it
doesn't ruin your paint ,when you bleed the brakes! Tom "FINZILLA"

**Re: Synthetic or DOT-3 brake fluid -** 12-17-2005, 09:14 PM

I've used synthetic in both Amphi (& MetalBeast while I had her) since '94. I like it. Pros: Is not hydroscopic, will not absorb moisture. Higher boiling point (not really an issue w/ Amphicars). Does not damage paint. Cons: Is not hydroscopic: any water entering the lines remains in droplets and can cause pin-point rust pitting in pistons if the car sits w/o brake usage for a while. Much more $. Must flush and thoroughly clean existing system (preferably w/ alcohol) before converting - NOT compatible w/ standard fluid. Some rubber does not like the silicone. I have not seen this, tho. Goodluck Scott, --LarryS

Scott Whaley wrote:

While at Celina, I think it was Dave the Wave told me he used synthetic brake fluid. I am doing rebuild on my brakes. Does anyone else have experience with synthetic? Help me to treat amphi to the best. __________________________________________________

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**Re: Synthetic or DOT-3 brake fluid -** 12-17-2005, 10:01 PM

> While at Celina, I think it was Dave the Wave told me he used
synthetic brake fluid. I am doing rebuild on my brakes. Does
anyone else have experience with synthetic? Help me to treat amphi
to the best.

I use DOT3 and love it so far. If you are not using new parts, flush
the system with alcohol a couple of times before refilling with
DOT3. The brakes will feel just slightly softer. So far I have yet
to have any problems with it in almost 4 years (5800+ miles, 275+
hours in the water) I reccomend a bi-yearly flush to avoid the micro-
pits from any trapped water. The other downside is it does cost more
that DOT5, but it is less than touching up the paint after a spill.

It will not damage paint, but it will create problems if it is on
the surface when applying new paint. Just be sure to properly wipe
down the surface correctly and all will be fine.

In the end DO the research and go with what feels better for you.
This is always an ongoing argument. "Tastes GREAT! .... Less
filling!..."

John "Gimme a brake" Bevins
Rocky Mountain Amphicar

**Re: Re: Synthetic or DOT-3 brake fluid -** 12-17-2005, 10:19 PM

A quick correctioin, John. Silicone is DOT 5. Standard is DOT 3. DOT 4 is a higher temp standard, like Castrol. --Larry

a_colo_native wrote:

> While at Celina, I think it was Dave the Wave told me he used synthetic brake fluid. I am doing rebuild on my brakes. Does anyone else have experience with synthetic? Help me to treat amphi to the best. I use DOT3 and love it so far. If you are not using new parts, flush the system with alcohol a couple of times before refilling with DOT3. The brakes will feel just slightly softer. So far I have yet to have any problems with it in almost 4 years (5800+ miles, 275+ hours in the water) I reccomend a bi-yearly flush to avoid the micro- pits from any trapped water. The other downside is it does cost more that DOT5, but it is less than touching up the paint after a spill. It will not damage paint, but it will create problems if it is on the surface when applying new paint. Just be sure to properly wipe down the surface correctly and all will be fine. In the end DO the research and go with what feels better for you. This is always an ongoing argument. "Tastes GREAT! .... Less filling!..." John "Gimme a brake" Bevins Rocky Mountain Amphicar

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**Synthetic or DOT-3 brake fluid -** 12-18-2005, 11:22 AM

International Amphicar Club members will be delighted to learn I have justwrittena tech article on this very subject !

It will be published in theclub newsletter shortly.

David Chapman.