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brain fart

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hdbikedoc:
 :up: will try the water trick , cover is aftermarket no markings

hdbikedoc:
Found info today harley started using dot 5 in all 1976 models

Ed Y:
For further reference, these tests might help:

Description of Brake Fluids - Dot 3, 4 and 5:
DOT-5 is 'oil' based. Won't mix with DOT-3/4, or water. From the bottle is it usually blue/purple in color. After use, it often turns yellow.
DOT-3/4 is 'water' (a glycol, very similar to anti-freeze) based. It will mix with water, but not oil. Usually yellow in color from the bottle, but may be clear. Usually clear after use.

Tests and notes:
    Try to mix a known DOT-3 sample with whatever you have. Use a small glass bottle or jar. Do the samples mix, and stay mixed? Of do they separate like salad dressing? If they don't mix, then the sample under test is probably DOT-5.
   Try to mix a small sample of the fluid in question with water. Does it mix easily, or not? If it doesn't mix easily, it is probably DOT-5.
    Try to mix a small sample of the fluid in question with a light oil. Does it mix easily? If yes, it is probably DOT-5.
You cannot tell the difference between DOT-3 and DOT-4 after the fact.

 Despite claims, mixing DOT-3/4 and DOT-5 is not the end of the world. They were designed so that accidental mixing would not result in failure of either braking performance, or damage to brake system components. This should not be construed to say it is OK to mix them, just that if it happens, you don't have to replace everything. A clean out and flush is in order however if they get mixed.
DOT-5 does not normally need to be replaced on a regular schedule. DOT-3/4 should be flushed every two to three years depending on climate and usage. Most locations dictate that DOT-3/4 should be flushed every two years!

 Hummers with non-ABS brake systems all came with DOT-5 fluid. It is (was) safe to assume that you had DOT-5 if you had non-ABS brakes. However, as time progresses (progresses? more like regresses!) mistakes by mechanics who don't know better have resulted in some non-ABS Hummers being filled, either fully or partially, with DOT-3/4.
 Hummers with ABS brakes MUST USE DOT-3/4 fluid. You should never, ever use DOT-5 in an ABS braking system because DOT-5 will aerate (form bubbles) which can cause total braking system failure. This happens when the ABS system is activated. If you suspect or know that your ABS equipped Hummer has had DOT-5 fluid added, it should be fully flushed ASAP.
DOT-3/4 fluid is hygroscopic (attracts moisture) and the brake system should be sealed from ambient air at all times. Once opened, a container of DOT-3/4 fluid should be either completely used, or discarded.
DOT-5 fluid hates water, and won't attract moisture. Once a container of DOT-5 has been opened, it can be resealed and safely stored without any ill-effects.

ViennaHog:

--- Quote from: JC 92FXRS on Sunday, July 29, 2012. 06:42:32 PM. ---If you want to test to see what is in there now...withdraw a spoonful of the bikes fluid and put it in a small glass container, add a couple of drops of water and mix well. If the water goes into solution, i.e. the resulting mix is uniform you have DOT3, 4 or 5.1 fluid. If water stays separate and sort of rolls around like a ball in the bottom of the glass, and separate form the brake fluid, you have DOT5 fluid.
cheers, Jeff

--- End quote ---

Yes, and that is what makes all this brake fluid testers useless for DOT 5. And the water will accumulate in remote parts of the brake systems where steam bubbles form under the right conditions and that was it with braking.

kik:
Thankfully I never had to worry about which brake fluid mine took.....Just had to make sure I had enough room to stop....LOLOL

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