Brake fluid question- is this dot 5?

Its the greatest to use . I've used for over 30 years .

 

Jason . Its been in my 69 Electra since the early 80's and my GSX For about 20 years . I bought it when the Manufacturer , GE offered a $10 rebate on it so it actually cost $1 . No Complaint . I am in the process of pulling the wheels on the Electra because it has sat for 7 years just to see how the wheel cylinders are doing . It still stops as well as ever now without even checking .

 

What is involved in converting to the DOT 5 fluid? Getting ready to install the disc brake conversion (front only) on the GS400. Kit came with new hard lines, as well.

 

It is suggested that you replace EVERYTHING . Master , Calipers , Rear wheel Cylinders and rubber hoses . Yes it sounds like a lot but your 1/2 way there when you do your disc conversion . I'd suggest looking closely at your rear hard lines too now is the time to do them . Plus you'll never have to do it again . Well worth the effort in my Opinion .

 

Thanks gsx455-4ever for the advice!!

The kit did come with new master cylinder and proportioning valve. I'll just have to pick up the wheel cylinders, rear rubber line, and rear hard lines.

Sorry for the hijack Jason...

 

Also, flush any remaining lines w/isopropyl alcohol then dry w/compressed air. Gotta get every trace of the old stuff out.

Devon

 

Thanks Devon! I don't think I'll have any of the old parts on there to flush at that point. I'll flush new lines out though, just in case.

 

I did my GS455 back in 88, replaced everything front to rear, and also flushed it with denatured alcohol just to make sure.
I was working in an auto parts store at the time and I think the price for a gallon was just under $100. I love the stuff because it doesn't absorb moisture plus it won't damage paint, but y'all probably know that.

 

Jason . the color of it defines it as DOT 5 . Thats why they made it purple . US Military and other government agencies have been using it for over 40 years

 

Do it in a clear container. If it's DOT 5, you'll get purple on the top and the rest below is water. Even if you shake it up, it'll separate again.

This is also why moisture in a DOT 5 system is bad...the water will be all by itself to do whatever bad things water does, including ruining the boiling point, and corroding stuff. The DOT 5 won't boil under big pressure, but the water will.

But, we like to have a sealed brake fluid system, right? The idea is to seal it up tight. Master Cylinder cover is the biggest culprit regardless of which fluid is used.

Devon

 

I like DOT 4 myself. Since the DOT 5 doesn’t absorb moisture, the moisture remains concentrated and not in suspension and causes issues. 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of another. DOT 5 is expensive but it won’t cause issues with paint if you spill some and forget about it. DOT 5.1 is another choice too, glycol-based.

 

I've been using it my 65 for over 20yrs.
Chris