[SEL] OT. Brake fluids

[Listerdiesel]

2009/5/18  <curt at rustyiron.com>:
> Years ago one had to be careful when servicing foreign cars about
> compatability with brake fluids.

Curt et al:

There were two main sources for brake fluid: Girling and Lockheed, who
also were the two main brake suppliers to the UK and European makers.
There was also similar situation with clutch hydraulics.

Castrol produced the Red brake fluid for Girling, and Lockheed
produced an amber coloured fluid for their own products. Lockheed is a
trading name for Automotive Products (AP) which also owned Borg & Beck
and other car-related parts suppliers.

It was not permissible to mix and match the two fluids in those days
(1950's and 1960's)

Car manufacturers such as GM/Vauxhall and Ford started to supply their
own parts and fluid for their brake and clutch systems, and eventually
a universal clutch and brake fluid evolved, which is the current
situation today. That fluid can be used in any system without
problems.

I don't know how it affects products in the US regarding the DOT
standards, I will have a look on a tin when I get a minute.

Peter
-- 
Peter A Forbes
Email: listerdiesel at gmail.com
http://www.oldengine.org/members/diesel
http://stationary-engine.co.uk
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