Still searching for info on various brake and clutch replacement fluids. Has anyone tried anything that works much better in cold weather than the OEM DOT 4? Thanks for any info.

Bump. I'm about to do brake lines and want opinions on fluid. Winslow

The silence has been deafening on your query.
Unfortunately my experience with extreme cold has been limited to the -35 deg F range here in Colorado during mountain rescue missions, and I was interested in what the answers would be.

I was able to find the following links, hope they help.

http://www.icbm.org/erkson/ttt/silicone.txt
http://www.caterpillar.com/products/shared/parts_n_service/05fluids/04machine_lubricant_rec/pdf/SEBU6250.pdf

http://www.usarak.army.mil/usarak_pubs/PUBS-ACROBAT/USARAK_Regulations/Regulation%20750-4.pdf

http://www.adtdl.army.mil/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/9-207/appa.pdf

http://www.usarak.army.mil/usarak_pubs/PUBS-ACROBAT/USARAK_Pamphlets/Pamphlet%20750-1.pdf

http://www.turtleexpedition.com/vehicles/turtle4.htm

Larry

I'm still working on it. As usual, there are so few of us who care about performance at very low temperature that there's not a lot of information available. I have ordered a number of fluids and will let the board know how they work out, but I'm not sure when I'm going to swap everything out yet.

Right now, it looks like I'm going to use Redline 75W90 gear oil in the differential. LSDs like a bit of friction modifier, but, according to Redline at least, transmission synchros work a lot better w/o those modifiers, so I plan to run Redline lightweight gear oil 70W80 in the tranny.

I ordered some Motul 5.1 for the clutch and the brakes, it SHOULD offer improved performance in cold weather, am real curious to see.

Redline D4ATF for the power steering box. Redline makes several ATFs, and this looks to be the best for cold to moderate weather.

Otherwise, intend to use a hoppy ale therapeutically...

Zemmo- Try looking up "Neo Synthetic Oil". It's great stuff, but pricey. I run it in my truck. It's been a while since I found it on the web so I can't remember where to direct you. They have all types of fluids and greases. If I remember correctly alot of the racers who run the 24 hour races use it. The stuff supposedly doesn't break down and stays very fluid way down into the negatives.

There's nothing wrong with Redline products, either. I used them in my dirt bike when I did some desert racing. I still use their "Water Wetter" in all my vehicles. They claim it helps the coolant dissipate heat 15 to @ 20% better and I've noticed those claims to be true.

Winslow - Maybe you could talk to Red Line about carrying their product line?

That's a good idea. Usually large companies require a large buy-in but I'm sure we can get them from a wholesaler at a discount. Winslow

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I have been holed up running dogs, trading stocks, and learning about synthetic molecules. There's a lot to learn, last night I read about polyalphaolefins vs. polyol esters. Fascinating stuff, if you're a bit prone to obsession. Winslow, I ordered a case of the Motul 5.1, I'd be happy to sell what you need for the clutch and brakes. It's kind of expensive, about 10 bucks a half liter with shipping and handling. But I doubt you'd use 3 bottles for brakes and clutch both.

Motul 5.1 fluid is used in both the clutch and brake systems? We'll need enough for two cars because we are doing brakes soon. Might as well do the clutch fluid, too. Winslow

I believe the Sub. manual calls for DOT 3 or 4 in both. The Motul 5.1 claims to be suitable for any DOT 3-4 systems. The DOT 5.1 was developed specifically for ABS systems. Neo-synthetic also makes a high-end brake fluid; although the low-temp viscosity is a bit higher than the Motul, the boiling points are considerably higher. Might be a better fluid if you plan on doing a lot of autocrossing or something. You can get a case (12 half-liters) of the Motul from panteracars.com for about $105. The neo synthetic stuff is available from a link on their website, but it's more expensive. Luck, Alan

How many half-liters does one car take? Winslow

Good question. Nobody seems to know for sure, but everyone seems to agree it'll be less than 2 liters for both. Does anyone know the true amount needed to bleed and refill both clutch and brakes?

The price for the Motul case is more like $97 bucks. The neo synthetic comes in 12 oz bottles for around $11 plus shipping. If it never gets so cold down there that the clutch and brakes work poorly, I might go with the neo for the increased boiling point.

Neo-synthetic, huh? I'll check into it. Winslow