I think the key is to flush the system well.
From what I can tell, problems with DOT 5 do not show up for some time (years)
- and depend on how much residual water or old fluid is in the system.

If you do a good flush, and have a good system, and replace the fluid
regularly, you will most likely not experience problems. But I think the worry
is that you *might* have problems.

They do tend to make the warnings dire.
Better to be on the safe side than to have no brakes.

Todd
'88 westy

Max Wellhouse wrote:

> I ran NAPA Dot5 silicone brake fluid in my 79 loaf for year after totally
> flushing the system and had no problems.  Since all this scare stuff from
> this list, I cowered and went to 4 for the 90GL.  Anybody wannt to bid on a
> quart and a holf of Silicone brake fluid ocupying space in my garage?
>
> DM&FS
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Michael aka ECHO" <echosmurf@YAHOO.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 9:46 AM
> Subject: Re: Brake Fluid Change
>
> > I have a common sense question about DOT 5 Silicon based
> > fluid...
> > Uhm, working around vehicles, unless specified, due to seals;
> > doesn't DOT 5 eat rubber seals (with milk in the morning..)
> > All I do know from hands on experience with customer's vehicles:
> > DON'T MIX DOT 5 with conventional brake fluids. I have already
> > had to rplaces most of a customer's brake system. I would hate
> > to ever see a Vanagona t the shop because of someone not reading
> > a label.
> > On a side note; It's great to see when a vanagon does come in
> > tot he shop. Only cause 90% are so well taken care of.  Mostly
> > they come in for something that can be a pain in the butt to do
> > at home. Such as, changing out the CV axels.
> > 13 Vanagons spotted in my neck of the woods and counting.
> > Also, had to go down the hill to get parts, saw a beautiful blue
> > GL model near an 84 just cruising along passing ppl. I would
> > estimate the speed atleast 70 mph. (0:
> > Michael
> >
> > =====
> > MY first VW!
> > 1980 Vanagon L "D'Arius"
> > LOOK a picture!!!http://www.geocities.com/echo207/vanagon.html
> > Need any general computer help? Computer blonde? E-mail:
> > echo207@excite.com and I will see what I can do to help.
> > And a DEAD 84 buick Skylark (Going to see if I can jump the California
> Aqueduct before this Christmas....)
> > 78 Toyota Corona
> >
> > __________________________________________________
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