On Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:40:17 -0700, wrote:

On Mon, 14 Jul 2008, Ernest Christley wrote:

Excellent post, Stealth, except avoid the red aviation fluid. Well, some of
the red aviation fluid. The stuff is fairly flammable.

What about using plain old DOT3 automotive brake fluid? It's cheap,
available everywhere, and non-flammable.

absolutely not.
it is the wrong chemistry for the o-rings.
and being hydroscopic it entrains moisture which leads to corrosion on
the internal polished surfaces of the master cylinder.

the correct red aviation brake fluid is cheaper as well.

I have personally pulled apart master cylinders that have had 40 years
in service and internally are still absolutely polished and pristine.
they used red aviation brake fluid. new o-rings bought them back to
life.

this is one area where aviation standard technology has really got it
right.

the stuff I'm using is Royco 756 petroleum base hydraulic fluid. it is
milspec mil-h-5606.
pretty inexpensive stuff too.
Stealth Pilot