brake fluid? dot 3 of 4?

[jtolton]

hey once again, seems like i run into a problem once weekly so maybe someone would be inclined to help me for once. this morning i got to start my car and it stalls out cause my clutch peddle was sunk right to the floor and it was stuck in first. turns out master cylinder was empty so im gonna remove the damper and bleed the system when i get home from work (hope thats the problem and not a master or slave cylinder) anyways, i searched and i cant come up with an answer as to what brake fluid to use? DOT 3 or DOT 4?

[jtolton]

bump!!!!

[RCA]

I am not 100% sure but, why would you use brake fluid in your Clutch Master Cylinder (aka CMC)?

I am guessing that brake fluid is used in your brake master cylinder not your clutch master cylinder I would spend the extra few bucks and get the DOT4 fluid.

But first search "CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER FLUID" either on NICO or Google to find out exactly what type of fluid to use

Best of luck

[Cone Junky]

I didn't know they even made DOT 3 fluid anymore. Most brake fluids are rated for both and 3/4 are compatible anyway.DOT 4 has a higher boiling point, which is more important for brakes, but more than enough for a clutch system.

[gumby74]

I use the Valvoline SynPower brake fluid for both the clutch and brakes.However, the fluid should not have magically dissappeared. Chances are better than good that, unless replaced already, the slave cylinder went out. Considering the cost is roughly $40 with fresh fluid, I would suggest replacing both the m/c and the slave. And at some point invest in the long steel braided line that runs from the m/c to the slave. The cleanest, best way to delete the dampener box and greatly improves the pedal feel.

[jtolton]

yeh im aware of that. But it wasnt magically gone. . the past few weeks my peddle had been sticking to the floor and to fix it all i had to do was wedge my hand under a pop it back up. so i guess the remaining fluid wasnt enough and stopped this morning. im gonna try my luck and give bending the hard line a try because im unaware as to where to get a replacement link and i dont have the time to wait a week or two for it to come in the mail.

[gumby74]

yeah, I hear ya'.I did not feel comfortable with the bending of the stock line myself.Good luck with your task.

[jtolton]

i should be able to make use of some of my dads plumbing tools..like a pipe bender..not sure if it will work that small diameter though. we should know tomorrow.

[psmith]

If you are starting from scratch go with Dot 4 Synthetic. I did this last weekend, plus it's "compatible" with any residual fluid that may ne left in your system. As far as bending the hard-line, just be careful and go slow.It makes a huge difference when it's all done!

[jtolton]

thanks for the advice everyone. I chickened out with bending the hard line cause it was sorta corroded and old. So i ripped it out from the master and im waiting for napa to get my slave in tomorrow along with a steel braided replacement line. Ive already eliminated the damper and i cant wait to see the diffrence.

[psmith]

I had some trouble with the thread on one of my fittings, so i pulled the entire line out of the car as well. MUCH easier to work on Let us know how it turns out....

[gumby74]

This may seem kind of random but remember to install a copper washer at the clutch line/slave cylinder connection.While installing mine, at some point before install the washer fell off the hose resulting in a small leak. Fortunately I noticed the washer laying on the ground as I was gathering up my tools for clean-up.Needless to say the donkey ears shot up very shortly after.