[MV] CUCV Brake Fluid

Julian Burke (julianb@esper.com)
Tue, 25 May 1999 19:24:19 -0400

I think many of you are making this much more complicated than it really is.
ALL CUCV's as well as most or all military vehicles use dot 5 brake fluid
which is of course, silicone based. Yes, it does come purple when new in
the bottle/jug BUT, it turns clear after a brief period of time in the brake
system. (It will NOT stay purple in the system!) It has a purple dye in it
not only to identify it readily in the jug but to help/aid in
bleeding/purging the brake system. If you suspect that dot 3 has been used,
or just want to change the fluid, bleed your brake system using the silicone
stuff. Empty out the old fluid first. Usually no harm will be done if
after a good bleeding has been done, run for about a week and then blead
again using silicone fluid on both tries. I have found that the seals are
usually made out of the same material. The reason silicone based stuff is
used is that it will NOT hold or absorb any water. Dot 3 stuff WILL. This
is why the regular stuff turns brown in the system as it is absorbing water
which in turn will gather rust, which is a good indication that some brake
service is needed. After the "purple" has worn off, it will have a strong
yellow look to it. I hope this will ease a few minds here! Your collector
friend, Jullian Burke

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