Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

What's his advice?? Use silicone against Ed Strain & White Post Restoration's advice or? Just received an e-mail from Billy Thompson, VP of operations at White Post & he says that they never use it at White Post because it will jelly/swell seals! Exact quote! I understand the use of silicone, I've used it for years in my other antique cars & never had a problem but apparently there is a reason for WP & Ed Strain not recommending it in Eds rebuilt unit! Looks like their is no definitive answer to this question! I definitely prefer Silicone ( doesn't have to be changed out, does not remove paint, not hygroscopic). But in this case the BTV unit on this '53 is not easy to remove or work on! Thanks to all for your advice!!

Whatever type of brake fluid u decide to use probably makes no difference for the BTV anyway.

There seems to be a generaly accepted service schedule for the bTV:

1. Drain and flush entire brake system at least once a year and fill with new fluid.

2. Send BTV every 3 to 5 years to a "qualified" rebuilder for a complete rebuild.

So, for all intents and purposes then it may not make any difference what type of fluid is used. The BTV is a SHORT service life, high maintenance power/MC unit.

SIlicone brake fluid:

Maybe need to do some research OUTSIDE of the Packard world. Does the silicone cause problems with any of the OTHER makes and models of cars of 'yesrteryear"????

How many tri-5 chevies are running silicone with no problems??? How many fords after 1939???? MoPars since 1924 or 1928.

Is it ONLY Packard that has alleged "problems" with silicone??

The devil is in the DETAILS!!! And what ever success or failure is observed in the rest of world outside of Packard.

Think about it.

1. Drain and flush entire brake system at least once a year and fill with new fluid.

2. Send BTV every 3 to 5 years to a "qualified" rebuilder for a complete rebuild.

Oh, come on now Keith - I really have to disagree strongly on this, just from my experience and those of perhaps a dozen other BTV drivers in my area. We never "drain and flush", though every 5 or so years we do a thorough bleeding such that probably 80% of the fluid is replaced. Having the BTV rebuilt seems to be a one-time event, mine is now going on 20 years since it was rebuilt, ditto for the other units in my area.

Same here - until the flexible lines slowly over time closed inside causing the brakes to drag requiring a very expensive repair. It was due to poor regular maintenance.

Ross and JfromKanter in the preceding posts above say it all.
There are many mechanics who may be good at repairing things, but this doesn't mean they understand high school chemistry, are willing to embrace anything beyond hearsay, and might be quick to blame a problem on something alien to them.
Again, Ross and JfromKanter well sum this subject which is getting very old.
Many of us have used nothing but silicon DOT 5 since the late '70s. A friend has had the same batch in his '40 120, '40 180 Darrin, and '42 160 conv. since the '80s and it still looks new.
BTW, regardless of the labeling, all DOT 5 is made by Dow Corning.

I agree,su8overdrive, I'm tired of this as well. But we've really missed the question in the OP which had nothing to do with DOT5 in non-power brake systems like your 1940, 41 and 42 cars. The question was focused on the BTV and the fact that a major rebuilder of them would not honor his warranty if DOT5 was used. Hence the question, is there some bona fide reason why DOT5 shouldn't be used in a BTV? What did Ed Strain know or believe that led him to this warranty exclusion and is there any validity to it as it seems White Post is continuing the same position.