| Author |
Message |
BretM (Bretm)
| | Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2001 - 3:51 pm: | |
You learn something new everyday. Intersting stuff. It would definitely put a damper on your day if your brakes went, especially with that 308 "emergency" brake. |
'75 308 GT4 (Peter)
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 6:29 pm: | |
I know silicone brake fluid is a no-no for racing. When it cools down, bubbles form. You can get away with it on a street car, but the system must be flushed of alcohol (can't mix regular fluid with silicone, even just a trace of old fluid will cause problems), before switching to silicone. Too involved a process, stick with regular brake fluid. "DOT 3" is recomended for my GT4, probably the same for the rest of the 308's. Ford's DOT 3 fluid has a higher temp rating of 550°F |
Bruce Kubicka (Bruce)
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 5:18 pm: | |
Be careful with synthetic brake fluid. I've read a couple of articles that say that synthetic brake fluid is incompatable with the rubber used in Ferrari brake systems. Another interesting point is that racers don't use synthetics. I'll try to find the articles and if I do, I'll post them to the site. |
BretM (Bretm)
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 2:25 pm: | |
I just keep using dino oil because it works and I haven't had problems with it in any of my cars. Synthetic gearbox oil is definitely the way to go with the whole limited slip thing going on. I don't know what kind of brake fluid is in it now, I guess when I flush and change going with silicone would be worth while. |
HEATH VAUGHN (Heath)
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 - 9:50 pm: | |
BRET & PAUL
IN MY MGB I SWITCHED YEARS AGO TO SILICONE BRAKE FLUID. BEEN PONDERING ABOUT THE FERRARI ALSO. CAN'T CAN COME WITH A WHY NOT, SO FAR? NO WATER PROBLEM AND NO HEAT PROBLEMS. HAVE YOU GUYS GOT A REASON NOT TO? PLUS WON'T AFFECT THE RUBBER GASKETS.
HEATH |
Paul308qv (Paul308qv)
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 - 8:24 pm: | |
From what I understand from chemistry, brake fluid (hydraulic fluid) is made of a molecule that 'wants' water (H20). The brake fluid takes on water from the atmosphere as the months go by and we end up with rust in the inside of the brake system (calipers, master cylinder, lines, etc.) This is not detectable from the outside. Good comments Bret. |
BretM (Bretm)
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 - 6:51 pm: | |
Your "non-scientific thoughts" are exaclty right. If you don't race and change regularly then it's 6 to one, half a dozen to the other. I figure I can change my oil five times for the price of one change of synthetic, it's sheer economics. I just figure it's best to stick with what is working, whether it be synthetic or not doesn't really matter. Your last point is a good one, on that topic I need to bleed my brakes soon. |
Paul308qv (Paul308qv)
| | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2001 - 8:53 pm: | |
I use Mobil 1 15W-50 Synthetic in my 308 and other cars. Bret, I think your decision is good too. I believe changing the oil regularly is more important than what type you use. When new, conventional oils and synthetics both have good properties. I think the difference appears as they age. I understand that synthetics hold their viscosity longer and over more temperature ranges, while conventional oils 'thin out' and break down.
If you change your oil every 3-4k miles or every 4-6 months (more often if racing), you will never get to a point where the oils are breaking down. Just my non-scientific thoughts.
p.s. Brake Fluid is another thing that is not changes often enough on most cars, I believe in this very strongly (Once a year). |
BretM (Bretm)
| | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2001 - 7:22 pm: | |
I still use "dino" oil, 20W-50 Valvoline. I have always used it in my jeep, and then when I got the car I noticed the previous owner was using it in the 308 so I just stuck with it, it's pretty convenient having them both on the same oil. My car runs well and leaks very little so I don't see why I would change a good thing. |
Matt Karson (Squidracing)
| | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2001 - 3:25 pm: | |
I use synthetic. I get my temps up to craxy levels when on the track, and the oil performs perfectly. I also change my oil every 5 hours or so of use. |
Craig Dewey (Craigfl)
| | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2001 - 6:39 am: | |
I use synthetic 15W-50(Mobile 1) in the engine and Redline 75W synthetic in the transaxle. I used to be more fearful back in the early days of synthetics because I had a bad experience with my Porsche. I believe things have settled down over the years and the technology is better now.
As far as engine additives, I'm with Peter on that and don't see any real use for them. |
'75 308 GT4 (Peter)
| | Posted on Sunday, March 25, 2001 - 11:18 pm: | |
I haven't tried it yet in the Ferrari, but I've always used Castrol Syntec 5W/50 in my daily driver. It does make a difference. I consume no oil and it stays clearer longer. Engine starts easily and runs smoothly.
The engine additives however are a smoke-screen (ie: Slick 50, et al.). A fluid will not repair poor compression and oil consumption. That is a problem that needs to be FIXED. |
HEATH VAUGHN (Heath)
| | Posted on Sunday, March 25, 2001 - 10:42 pm: | |
SYNTHETIC OIL AND ENGIN ADDITIVES I'VE NEVER USED THEM AM I BEING TO OLD FASHION, AM I LETTING NEW TECH PASS ME BY |
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