On 3/14/05 9:20, "Don in North Carolina" <Don_Dixon@BELLSOUTH.NET> wrote:

> Al,
> 
> I have a theory on the instrument cluster self destructing.  The first time
> I saw that the brake/clutch fluid reservoir is right between the
> instruments, I wondered if the brake fluid vapor (the cap is vented) is
> causing a chemical change in the plastic.  I don't remember seeing the same
> type of deterioration on the Rabbits and such of the same generation, and I
> would imagine that the plastic was the same or similar formula.
> 
> I do know from past experience with motorcycles that once plastic gets some
> (DOT 3, 4 or 5.1) brake fluid on it, either it melts or it gets very
> brittle...
> 
> Don in Reidsville, NC
> 1987 Vanagon GL Syncro (Suzie) - Sale Pending!
> 1988 Vanagon GL (Sylvia)
> Why do they call it a fixed income, when mine is always broke?
> 

Interesting point.  There is a clear plastic cover that is supposed to be in
there covering everything and it sits right over the master cylinder.  The
material it is made out of does not seem to be really effected by DOT
fluids.  Now I am wondering if that is a shield for that reason.

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jimt
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