Brake fluid question
10-25-2005 | 07:05 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Registered Tracker
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,295
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Brake fluid question
After running Motul DOT 4 fluid, I was thinking about running the Ford Motorcraft DOT3 stuff for next year. I'm assuming that all I would have to do it flush the brake system and bleed in the new stuff right?
Any other issues I should be aware of?
Any other issues I should be aware of?
10-25-2005 | 10:35 PM
#6
funny how people won't think twice about using top of the line synthetic oil every 3k or less, but run for the hills at the idea of using a $60 can of brake fluid that's good for 18 month and that your life could very well depend on 
a bit more of a pain to use though because the system has to be evacuated of the original brake fluids first to get the max benefit, but the pedal feel is superior to anything else I've ever used (mostly all the best brake fluids), highest wet boiling point of any other fluid out there though and much more moisture resistant
a bit more of a pain to use though because the system has to be evacuated of the original brake fluids first to get the max benefit, but the pedal feel is superior to anything else I've ever used (mostly all the best brake fluids), highest wet boiling point of any other fluid out there though and much more moisture resistant
Castrol SRF exceeds the US Federal Standards FMVSS 116 DOT 3 and DOT 4, ISO 4925, JIS K2233 and current SAE J1703 and is miscible with all conventional brake fluids conforming to these standards. However, mixing Castrol SRF and conventional brake fluids will reduce the benefits of Castrol SRF. It is strongly recommended that conventional brake fluid be drained from the system before flushing and re-filling with Castrol SRF.
The wet boiling point of Castrol SRF, 270 C, is vastly superior to the minimum requirement of 155 C demanded by the current US DOT 4 specification. The product's typical dry boiling point of 310 C is likewise outstanding. This ability to withstand temperatures in excess of 300 C, and its superior resistance to the effects of absorbed water, have established Castrol SRF as the world's premier fluid for the hydraulic brakes used in all forms of motorsport.
The wet boiling point of Castrol SRF, 270 C, is vastly superior to the minimum requirement of 155 C demanded by the current US DOT 4 specification. The product's typical dry boiling point of 310 C is likewise outstanding. This ability to withstand temperatures in excess of 300 C, and its superior resistance to the effects of absorbed water, have established Castrol SRF as the world's premier fluid for the hydraulic brakes used in all forms of motorsport.
Last edited by TeamRX8; 10-25-2005 at 10:42 PM.
10-30-2005 | 01:23 PM
#10
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: in the moment
""After running Motul DOT 4 fluid, I was thinking about running the Ford Motorcraft DOT3 stuff for next year. "" Why would you want to go to any DOT 3 fluid if you are running Track events?
Changing a cheaper perhaps lower 'life' fluid more often COULD approach the same result of a more expensive fluid IF they both perform at the same level WHEN you need them to. While dripping with sarcasm. I think that is the point being made by TeamRX8. I agree with him\her that you want the best if your life depends on it.
IMHO - if you are not running on the track, then be very happy with your choice of the FORD DOT3 fluid. I ran one track weekend without incident on the OEM DOT 3 fluid but it was shot and needed to be changed immediately after.
If you are running on the track, then pick a DOT 4 fluid that fits your budget and abilities\desire to change it. I use Castrol GT LMA DOT4 fluid and am satisfied with it. I will move to a higher performance \ proven fluid next spring as my driving abilities will be further improved, I will be upgrading to DOT approved "R" tires on the track and will simply feel better knowing I have the best fluid possible.
Changing a cheaper perhaps lower 'life' fluid more often COULD approach the same result of a more expensive fluid IF they both perform at the same level WHEN you need them to. While dripping with sarcasm. I think that is the point being made by TeamRX8. I agree with him\her that you want the best if your life depends on it.
IMHO - if you are not running on the track, then be very happy with your choice of the FORD DOT3 fluid. I ran one track weekend without incident on the OEM DOT 3 fluid but it was shot and needed to be changed immediately after.
If you are running on the track, then pick a DOT 4 fluid that fits your budget and abilities\desire to change it. I use Castrol GT LMA DOT4 fluid and am satisfied with it. I will move to a higher performance \ proven fluid next spring as my driving abilities will be further improved, I will be upgrading to DOT approved "R" tires on the track and will simply feel better knowing I have the best fluid possible.
10-31-2005 | 11:21 AM
#12
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: in the moment
The important question is-- Are you going to keep running your car on the track? If so, keep running the Motul. If not, use the FORD DOT 3 fluid.
If the Motul is too expensive, find another DOT 4 fluid that is cheaper per oz but remember it may not be cheaper in the long run.
*** Running on the track = DOT 4...pick one ****
Oh and BTW - My instructors have told me to first focus on learning the line on the track and improving my perception of my speed first. Having the right speed into the corners and being on the right line (hitting your turn in, Apex and turn out points) is more important than being able to break later \ shorter. My guess is that unless you are up near HPDE 2 or 1, than that still holds for you as well.
If the Motul is too expensive, find another DOT 4 fluid that is cheaper per oz but remember it may not be cheaper in the long run.
*** Running on the track = DOT 4...pick one ****
Oh and BTW - My instructors have told me to first focus on learning the line on the track and improving my perception of my speed first. Having the right speed into the corners and being on the right line (hitting your turn in, Apex and turn out points) is more important than being able to break later \ shorter. My guess is that unless you are up near HPDE 2 or 1, than that still holds for you as well.
Last edited by willhave8; 10-31-2005 at 11:26 AM.
10-31-2005 | 12:07 PM
#14
He's as bad as Can
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,309
Likes: 2
From: Manchester, NJ
Just to mention what I am doing, I track my car and ran ATE Super Blue DOT 4 without any issues. I will in a few weeks switch to regular color DOT 4 for the winter when I switch to my winter tires. By alternating the blue DOT 4 with the traditional color DOT 4 I will know that once spring comes around I will be running ‘fresh’ fluid for the upcoming track days.
10-31-2005 | 02:37 PM
#16
^the veteran track drivers/racers will tell you to bleed it after every event to be safe, but i think for a mostly street driven 8, once every 2-3 events should be more than enough, hell, i haven't bled mine since i did my only event this year back in June, lol 
10-31-2005 | 02:55 PM
#17
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 839
Likes: 2
Have you fella's seen brakeswap's deal on motul600 fluid? Its pretty inexpensive for online orders.
http://www.liteswap.com/Merchant2/me...ode=brakefluid
Hank would know more about how many bottles you'd need to swap out the fluids.
http://www.liteswap.com/Merchant2/me...ode=brakefluid
Hank would know more about how many bottles you'd need to swap out the fluids.
10-31-2005 | 03:21 PM
#19
^2 bottles sounds about right, i bought the ATE Super Blue's in those 1L metal container, and still have about 1/2-1/3 container left, so I'd say 1 bottle for flush, and another to finish the job
11-08-2005 | 12:37 AM
#20
Registered
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 978
Likes: 0
From: Lake Forest, IL
Blue,
let's change our brake fluid together. And wait until after the winter before you do it, otherwise the fluid will get "wet" over the winter when the cold weather starts.
Anyone know how long an unopened bottle of Motul will keep? It's in one of those sealed plastic bottles? I've had it about 8 months, will it still be good to use by next spring if I keep it from the cold weather?
let's change our brake fluid together. And wait until after the winter before you do it, otherwise the fluid will get "wet" over the winter when the cold weather starts.
Anyone know how long an unopened bottle of Motul will keep? It's in one of those sealed plastic bottles? I've had it about 8 months, will it still be good to use by next spring if I keep it from the cold weather?
11-08-2005 | 03:22 PM
#22
Thread Starter
Registered Tracker
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,295
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Originally Posted by Machan
Blue,
let's change our brake fluid together. And wait until after the winter before you do it, otherwise the fluid will get "wet" over the winter when the cold weather starts.
Anyone know how long an unopened bottle of Motul will keep? It's in one of those sealed plastic bottles? I've had it about 8 months, will it still be good to use by next spring if I keep it from the cold weather?
let's change our brake fluid together. And wait until after the winter before you do it, otherwise the fluid will get "wet" over the winter when the cold weather starts.
Anyone know how long an unopened bottle of Motul will keep? It's in one of those sealed plastic bottles? I've had it about 8 months, will it still be good to use by next spring if I keep it from the cold weather?
