RE: [Chrysler300] 300 G Convertible

There was a good discussion of silicone brake fluid vs normal glycol and grades of glycol a year or so back, has a place here?? Silicone fluid ought to be superb for top setup, rubber loves it, it preserves rubber and seals, no problems with water pickup. I think I used it in at least one car top setup. ATF and PS fluids are just 10 weight oil with additives. Much is made of those additives, = way higher prices, ATF 4-5 crazy $, but I use new stuff due to synthetic base, which is just better oil, and more stable with temp …... but MOPAR semiautomatic at the start in 50’s just used 10 weight. I wonder how much of all that ATF ranking, is at one level, marketing BS. Marvel Mystery Oil, VX-6 and Stabil stuff. Did the original GM hydramatic use ATF, or just oil?

My reason for posting is I know some good engineers read this site; I have often wondered why glycol is used at all vs oil in brake systems? The paint damage thing is very real, happened to me on 3 cars over the last 50 years. FYI< twice due to poor sealing of gaskets on truly marginal design, wire bail type master cylinder covers –returning fluid squirts up, out of lid gasket, drips off master, takes paint off firewall. ; I make new ones of heavier gauge stainless welding rod now.

And a Mercedes WILL go to hell if you do not change the glycol every two years as they tell you to. It turns to gunk, clogs lines and ABS so bad the brakes lock up, and stay on after you release pedal . How does that fit with our cars in storage with glycol? I had a 300TD wagon that needed 1500$ worth of new brake rubber parts with glycol, after about 6 years, sensitized me big time to the big downside of that stuff. The rubber seal parts were essentially dissolved in the fluid. Also had 37 Packard with ?25 year old glycol , still working. ….

Most hydraulic systems are oil based, even to 25,000 PSI ,as are construction hydraulic devices..the yellow steel. Does oil boil sooner than glycol, ?? has to be a rational reason brakes are different, why they deal with glycol hassles. . And wheel cylinders are pretty far from the real heat, unlike disc brakes, especially on a moderately driven old car. . Going back to 1930’s, origins of wheel cylinders ( by Chrysler, natch), glycol was it ???

I just wonder why, not advocating anything.

Personally, I believe silicone brake fluid is the answer for stored cars in all closed hydraulic systems, military does same thing—they are not fools, brakes on stored trucks better work. . Silicone “brake fluid” is probably just silicone oil….in a new can, at a high price.

Re: below, mixing oil and glycol seems, at first glance, not a good idea at all , I would never do that. ---but if a new setup, probably either works—for a while. But both hurt rubber, silicone oil does not .

Pick your poison intelligently……! ??

John Grady

From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of ldmiklas@xxxxxxxxxxx [Chrysler300]
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2014 8:49 PM
To: sirbobaloo@xxxxxxx
Cc: chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [Chrysler300] 300 G Convertible

I have a small "old style" oiling can; the kind with a handle and a thumb trigger pump. It has a very long and small spout. ( a 1/8" opening at the end). It is very easy to get it into tight spots and angles. I open the fill plug and just pump in what it takes to fill. Spillage is minimal if at all. The can I have is relatively new; I'm sure they can still be purchased.

I also use the same kind of can to fill the brake reservoir on my 300C.

The 300G is supposed to use HD brake fluid from the factory. I don't use it because of the mess it makes. I've always used power steering fluid in all my convertibles and never had a problem. I was told not to use the new ATF because it contains friction material which is not good for old seals.

Jeff Miklas

From: "'sirbobaloo@xxxxxxx' sirbobaloo@xxxxxxx [Chrysler300]" <Chrysler300-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "chrysler300" <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2014 10:11:43 PM
Subject: [Chrysler300] 300 G Convertible

Hi , guys .I have the referenced vehicle , and it is sleeping comfortably until we get warm weather , again ! My , question , as I put the top up , it took way too long , so I need to replenish the fluid in the lift reservoir . What is the easiest way to accomplish this ? Thanks , Bob R .