[SEL] OT. Brake fluids

[curt at rustyiron.com]

Peter et al:
Ah there is the accurate information I was after! I think all the MG brake
systems used Lockheed parts and I used the amber coloured fluid.

It's sounds as if the general consensus is that rubber compounds and
glycol based (non-silicone) brake fluids have been standardized and that
mixing US Prestone brake fluid with Euro Castrol is likely safe today.

Thanks everyone for the replies.
Curt Holland
Gastonia, NC




> 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
> http://www.oldengine.co.uk
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