Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Tony

First question- Have any of your cylinders been sleeved? If so silicone fluid may cause a leak problem. Don't know if this is still true but for years the company that I use would not warranty their sleeved cylinders if silicone fluid was used. Don't know if this is still true.

What I was told was that the silicone fluid would actually leak along the out side of the sleeve between the sleeve and cylinder body.

Cheers Phil

[Private_collector]

Hi Phil,

Good point. No, my cylinders are all new replacements. There is nothing of significant vintage or refurbished.

One of the sources I read (may even be the one I had supplied link to) talks about how persistent minor leaks actually slowed to stop, with use of silicone DOT 5 fluid. I think that could be taken a number of ways. One, fluid may be slightly higher viscosity, not able to leak out. Or two, the fluid caused some swelling to a flexible component such as a cylinder boot. That would be a worry, however I don't recall the event stated in a negative context.

[Bob Carriere]

When I rebuilt my C15a brake system I got new wheel cylinders and the master cyl. was sleeved in SS. All lines are new SS and rubber flex. Going on 4 years .... no leak no problems.

Each Spring after sitting for months in the sea container it only needs one pump of the peddle to bring it up again.

I may actually flush and reset the system this year for the first time.

I use the surplus USA military purple brake fluid.

***** on the flaring of new brake lines may I suggest you buy the best flaring tool you can afford it will save you time, material and a lot of aggravation.

Cheers
PS.... have you heard of the guy addicted to brake fluid...? claims he can stop any time !!!!!

[Private_collector]

Thanks Bob, I like the sounds of that testimonial.

Dont have worries about my brake flaring, I didnt do it. I gave that job to the local hydraulics shop.

I thought I had replied to you posting yesterday, but for some reason it did not appear. I may have had another internet connection problem. Should have checked it came up before I turned the computer off. Sorry.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Just re-did my brakes:

new master and two rear cylinders;
refurbished front ones;
new rubber brake lines;
existing copper brake lines cleaned.

I choose to use DOT-4 brake fluid, have heard about silicone fluid leaking around seals and flared lines because of it's properties. I did not want to risk leakage and I am happy with flushing the system every two years or so.

HTH,
Hanno

[Private_collector]

Hanno,

The guy/s who told you about the leaking, were they the one it happened to, or the heard it from someone else scenario?

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

The guy/s who told you about the leaking, were they the one it happened to, or the heard it from someone else scenario?

Tony,

Heard it myself from first hand experience: the guy had to tin-plate his flares so they bedded-in better in the seats of the brake cylinders.

But if you renewed everything you'll be fine with silicone.

Hanno