Dot 5 Brake and Clutch Fluid - Hard to find

[peakbagger]

Note sure if its just a local thing, but during my annual "start the SEE after the winter" routine my clutch reservoir was nearly empty (as usual). I went to refill it and ran out. I stopped by the local car place and it was backordered and had been for awhile. I went on Amazon and ordered the last one of their lowest cost plus they were out of stock for a couple of the lowest cost alternatives. I have seen this before and it usually means the market may be "tight" for this product. Not sure where it goes over the winter but then again I have leaky dipper cylinder that also tends to leak over the winter. Once filled its fine for the season.

BTW as usual , the fuel system lost prime over the winter. I didnt even try to turn it over, I just pumped the primer about 50 times and felt the pressure on it increase until I heard the injector pump fuel pressure relief release. I then cranked it over and it started up at low idle stumbling a bit. I then pumped it about 20 times more and it started running well. If its like past years it will start instantly until I park it next fall.

 

[Barrman]

Search “Brake Fluid Silicone.” Get it by the gallon from several sources.

 

[glcaines]

I have several gallons of DOT 5 I purchased on Ebay for a cheap price. When I see it advertised with a low price, I buy it. My local auto parts stores all carry DOT 5 in stock, but the price is very high.

 

[country]

ALL-5080 | DOT 5 Silicone Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Silicone Hydraulic Brake Fluid For M35, M35A2, M35A3, M109A4 M809, M54 2 1/2 and 5 Ton Trucks
NSN #: 9150-01-102-9455
Part #: Mil-B-46176A
$79.00

 

[G744]

That's a fair price for DOT 5.

 

[Gastrap]

The cheapest commercial DOT 5 I've found is Johnsen's on Rock Auto at $8.63/ 12 oz. The bottle says it exceeds MIL-PRF-46176B spec, and it's made in Texas. I bought 2 cases and had it in 2 days.

 

[peakbagger]

I got i the habit over the years of buying brake fluid in small containers as it as hydroscopic. I dont think DOT 5 is so I picked up a gallon.