Ive got 83 242 is it okay to use dot 3 brake fluid??

When I was new to the Brickboard a large number of posts stated strongly NO.
FIRST - DOT 3 chemical makeup will rot away certain parts of Girling components, like wheel caliper piston seals and master cylinder seals.

SECOND - DOT 3 has a boiling point lower than DOT 4, and if you have ever had a boiling fluid problem you won't soon forget it. It is like the brake system suddenly needs bleeding, the car pulls to one side, and the braking distance gets much longer.

So - strictly DOT 4. In the larger scheme of things, it's not that much more costly.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

My latest Volvos are a 69 164 and a 73 145, although the brakes are
pretty similar, I think, and certainly the potential problems are the
same.
I started using DOT 5 silicone brake fluid in Panama after being involved
in testing it for the Army. In my experience, it effectively eliminates
corrosion in the hydraulic system because it does not entrain water out
of the atmosphere. It will eventually cause some rubber parts to soften,
although this typically takes 10-15 years and is no worse a problem than
with other brake fluids. You need to purge your system well to get the
old fluid out (as well as corrosion products and other contaminants,
most of which are the result of moisture intrusion and decomposition/
polymerization products of the old brake fluid). Also, if you find that
your DOT 5 fluid has bubbles in it, be careful NOT to pour them into
your master cylinder because once in your brake system they are hard to
get out and will make your brakes spongy. Likewise DO NOT SHAKE the
bottle of fluid. Use a pressure device for bleeding. This can reduce
the time you spend bleeding brakes by 90% or more. Pumping and bleeding
can be an endless job!
--
George Downs Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Hi George,

Good xmas and new year I trust? Excellent. I bleed my brakes normally using 'head office' to pump the pedal whilst I get jiggy with the nipples (ooo-eeer!). What I then do, and only on very warm and dry summer days, is to leave the lid off the master cylinder reservoir overnight and leave the brake pedal wedged down with a bit of wood. This allows any bubbles to rise and escape naturally. I'm always nervous of using eazi-bleed type gear, using air pressure to purge air bubbles seems weird.

You're spot on about silicon DOT 5. Once fitted, your fluid is effectively maintenance free for life and fade becomes a distant memory...

Regards,

Big Rich.
--
This is a 245 Volvo...d'ya feel lucky Punk?

no

It's OK, but I personally like my brakes to be more than "OK".
DOT 4 is specified.