Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Brakes DOT 4 brake fluid

Has anyone converted their car from DOT3 brake fluid to DOT4? If so, was there any problems with seal wear or other issue?
Thanks!

For anyone interested - a call to the SVTOA answered the question. According to them there is no problem changing from DOT3 to DOT4 fluid provided -
1) There is no silicone in the new fluid
2) The fluid comes from Ford (Motorcraft)

I'm off to make the change.

2) The fluid comes from Ford (Motorcraft)

Why?


I'm off to make the change.

Why?

Don't know why Ford said Motorcraft fluid only - I'm guessing either they want the part sales, or some legal reason.

Why am I changing? Going to the On-track event at IRP this weekend and wanted to have some fluid w/ a slightly higher boiling point. Any reason I shouldn't change?

Have you ever been to an Ontrack Event? Do you have a lot of track experience? If no to any of the above I would not worry about converting to a different fluid. Just make sure the fluid you have is clean so that it will retain its boiling point.... from what I know the dirtier the fluid the lower the boiling point.
Try to find a Dot 3 with a high boiling point ... that is what I run.

I will be at IRP this weekend as well. I have been to many, many track events and have only ever used DOT 3. Pedal gets a bit mushy towards the end of the session but that is a result of the high speeds I am running at the end of the strightaways. IRP has one mother of a long strightaway.

See you there.

Fern

No, have not been to an on-track event and have no experience. A couple members of the local SVTOA chapter recommended changing. From what I have read there is a lot of conflicting information on this subject. The bottom line that I can deduce is that it won't hurt to change it, but the fluid will have to be changed more often. The benefits of DOT4 fluid do not appear to be terribly signifcant, but since I have DOT4 in my possession I'm going to change anyway. See you at IRP!

check this out. more specifically, check Andy's post with this link you will be surprised to find that what you need for open track event is delivered by Ford Heavy Duty DOT 3 brake fluid.

Thanks for the info. The Article from SHOTimes is in some disagreement with the article from this site brake fluid , primarily where it discusses compatibility in the brake system. That is what started this thread in the first place.

I use Motul 5.1 fluid. So far it's the best damn fluid I've used. I've gone through 3 track days so far without the pedal going soft like it would with the Motocraft HD Dot4 fluid after 1/2 a day. Another bonus with the 5.1 stuff is that it isn't very hydroscopic and it has a decnet wet boiling point as well

Not beating you up, just seeing if you put any thought into the reasons for the changes and did some research on the pros and cons of alternate fluids. It appears you have and needed or not I believe you'll be fine. Still not keen on that 'ford only' statement...oh well. Be safe. Have fun.