Brake Fluid

[ricematthews]

Brake Fluid:

Don't know about DOT 1 or 2 (can't recall seeing them), but DOT 3 and 4 are
readily available (Pep Boys, etc.).  The main difference is specs such as
boiling point (B.P. of DOT 4 is higher & higher is good).  I believe the
synthetics are also DOT 4.

DOT 5 is silicone.  I don't believe there is a DOT 5 synthetic.

DOT 3 & 4 are compatible and can be mixed.

DOT 3/4 & DOT 5 are not compatible.  A switchover to DOT 5 requires a full
bleed and flush and I have heard that removal & cleaning or replacement of
old DOT 3/4 "contaminated" components may be in order.

DOT 5 is a higher performance fluid than 3 & 4 but I believe frequent
changes are recommended (I think because it IS hydroscopic, but I'm not
sure).

Motor Oil:

Mobil (Mobil 1), Castrol (Syntec), Valvoline, Pennsoil, Pep Boys, and
probably others all market full synthetic oils.
(Not to mention the non-mass market brands:  Redline, Amsoil, etc.)
Castrol, Valvoline, and I think Quaker State, Pennsoil and probably others
also market blends.

Whether or not using a blend is a sin, I don't know (I never have and sort
of don't see the point), but (not to flame anyone here) I'd like to know
what was so "unimpressive" with them.

Interesting web page about oils.  I don't quite buy into the Syntec,
myself - 5w50 seems like a wide range, do anything oil and I think that's
all they have available in full syn.  I also got soured on Castrol
conventional oil - seems to create a lot of varnish and also burns more than
others.  I have heard that they use parafin (sp?) as their secret ingredient
to prevent "thermal-viscosity breakdown".  Problem is it also (guess what)
burns off and creates varnish.

My preference is Valvoline conventional oil (Mobil 1 when I had the turbo.)

-Mark