Boy, did I mess up! HELP!!

[Jim Dandy]

Well, I screwed the pooch tonight. I just finished putting on an 11" brake kit, bled the brakes, everything was fine. Then I topped off the front fluid level with LACQUER THINNER! I picked up the wrong can off the floor, same size and shape. I proceeded to drain the front lines and ran a quart of brake fluid through them. Now, does anyone know if I messed up any seals or other vitals by doing this? The fluid I drained out was about a half and half mixture. I did'nt touch the rear brakes, I think they'll be ok because I have a dual reservoir. Any info or ideas would be welcome. Thanks........Jim

[Cobranut]

Jim,

You say you just "topped off" the reservoir after bleeding.

If so, did you notice it and remove this mixture from the reservoir before applying the brakes? If this is the case, I'd say that the thinner didn't get to the seals in the M/C or calipers and you'll be ok.

If the thinner did go thru the system, I'd flush them thoroughly and test the seals by holding the brakes on hard for several minutes. If the pedal does not go down and you don't see any seepage at the calipers or M/C, I'd guess it will probably be ok.

I'd still be cautious of it the first few drives and double-check for leaks afterward. Maybe even flush it again after 300-400 miles.

Good luck,

[ERA535]

Lacquer thinner won't hurt anything as long as it isn't in there too long. The existing brake fluid probably thinned (sorry) it out a lot anyway.

[Richard Hudgins]

Jim Dandy,

I do not think you have much to worry about. The seals in almost all systems are manufactured with buna-n rubber. Some use Nitril.

these materials are not degradated by acetone (Laquer thinner) in short exposures.

As long as you have flushed the system, you are OK to go.

[Jon Miller]

THANKS JIM!!!!

I've never done the thinner for fluid switch, but given all of the other stupid things that I have done, it makes me feel better knowing that I'm not alone...........

It is a brave man that shares such things so openly. I would have probably blamed it on the wife, or kids, or something.

-Jon

[Bob Putnam]

Another thing I would be most concerned with is lowering the boiling point of the fluid. I would flush the system at least one more time after a few days.

[CobraEd]

But, but, . . . Laquer thinner is pertolium based and brake fluid is water based. They won't mix. I would flush the whole system well about three or four times with about a weeks use in between to ensure that all the LT is completely out.

Ed