[SEL] OT. Brake fluids

[John Hall]

Can't help about foreign cars but I do know that soaking obsolete 2 cycle 
carb diaphragms in brake fluid is a standard practice to soften them up. 
I've talked to a couple different folks and there doesn't appear to be a set 
time you need to soak them. Of course I've talked to others that say it will 
ruin the part---but they never seem to have a plan B.

John Hall

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <curt at rustyiron.com>
To: <sel at lists.stationary-engine.com>
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 5:15 PM
Subject: [SEL] OT. Brake fluids


> Years ago one had to be careful when servicing foreign cars about
> computability with brake fluids. I'm not speaking of the silicone brake
> fluid, but rather the regular (glycol?) brake fluids. Seems like most
> European cars used Castrol brake fluid and I was taught to only use
> Castrol brake fluid in these cars, lest the rubber parts soften and lead
> to brake failure.
> Is this still the case?
>
> I found nothing about this on a quick Internet search, so maybe the issue
> has been resolved.
>
> My sister has a newer VW and they added brake fluid (not Castrol) they
> bought at a local auto parts store. Just wanted to make sure she doesn't
> have an issue later.
> Curt Holland
>
>