 | Home > Puma (Tdci) > Clutch fluid.. Dot 4 |
 
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| andy63 Member Since: 30 Jun 2023 Location: north east Posts: 239   
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 Click image to enlarge I've recently replaced my clutch complete with new master cylinder.. The pipework was well flushed and the new master cylinder and fluid has been on for a week.. Its covered less than 300 miles.. I was checking the fluid level today which was fine but the fluid had a black cloud in it like a groath.. It looked like I could fish it out but instead it just mixed with the clean fluid.. Anyone any experience of similar or an explanation.. Photos not great but you can hopefully see what I'm on about Click image to enlarge |
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21st Sep 2023 4:56pm |
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| geobloke Member Since: 06 Nov 2012 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 4405
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I believe it is bacterial growth, possibly related to H2O content of the fluid.
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21st Sep 2023 6:43pm |
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| andy63 Member Since: 30 Jun 2023 Location: north east Posts: 239
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thanks geo
thats what I first thought ..water content of fluid im not so sure about.. im happy that the system hasn't been contaminated with water and surely the fluid which was new and sealed isn't going to take on water that quickly.. what causes the defender clutch fluid to get so black looking in normal use..ive read quite a few people commenting on that , and it seems to be peculiar to land rovers , or is that not the case..as you know I haven't been around defenders long enough to reach my own conclusions edit.. ive syringed the fluid out into a jar and topped up with fresh till it looks clear again, im assuming if its bacterial it will re form.. whether the clutch is in use or not |
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21st Sep 2023 7:53pm |
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| geobloke Member Since: 06 Nov 2012 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 4405
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It is amazing how hydroscopic DOT4 is, it just sucks moisture out of the air and it is well known that vehicles that have sat for years can absorb a high percentage of H2O whilst just sitting still.
If you are keen then a tool like this is a handy thing to have for the DIY'er and especially if you enjoy splashing through puddles or fords. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laser-4875-Brake-...amp;sr=8-9 |
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22nd Sep 2023 8:26am |
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| andy63 Member Since: 30 Jun 2023 Location: north east Posts: 239
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Ta geo.. I don't have that tool but looks handy.. I'll have a, read..
As I said I don't think in this case the moisture theory in the fluid holds water👍🤣 It's brand new out of a sealed container and only a week old.. The system was thoroughly cleaned and flushed with new fluid and every component bar the pipes is new.. |
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22nd Sep 2023 8:55am |
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| geobloke Member Since: 06 Nov 2012 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 4405
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No problem at all. It is not the same fluid, but it is amazing how much bacteria grows within Lanoguard if left in a warm place for a while
  Anyway... |
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22nd Sep 2023 12:33pm |
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| ibsley Member Since: 01 Aug 2023 Location: Nimes Posts: 23  
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I asked my local garage about moisture and they recommended using DOT 5 (not DOT 5.1) as it seems to be the only hygrophobic formula.
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26th Sep 2023 3:06pm |
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| Dinnu Member Since: 24 Dec 2019 Location: Lija Posts: 3209  
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One more advantage of Dot5 is that it does not eat paint if it leaks. As with anything, there are different views, as different people view the pros and cons differently.
May also read this thread on the Dot5 topic: https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic78646.html 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing 2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black |
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26th Sep 2023 4:19pm |
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| blackwolf Member Since: 03 Nov 2009 Location: South West England Posts: 16879 
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Surely you mean the boiling point goes down, i.e., the fluid boils at a lower temperature? |
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26th Sep 2023 4:22pm |
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| andy63 Member Since: 30 Jun 2023 Location: north east Posts: 239
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Hi.. Thanks for the replies..
My immediate thoughts are I'd be reluctant to change to a silicone based fluid without replacing all the components and making sure it was compatable.. As you have read I'm not persuaded by the moisture and bacteria points.. To me it is as was suggested above debri from seals and or the aluminium bore.. The stuff only appears after use of the clutch.. Its not multiplying in the jars I'm syphoning it off into.. The nearest likeness I can compare it to is the debris that appears in water you use to lubricate a knife sharpening stone.. Atm all I'm doing is removing it as it appears and topping up with fresh fluid.. Can't believe it's only defenders that suffer from this, but I've never come across it to this extent in any other vehicle I've owned.. My collection so far.. If you disturb or shake the jar it just dissipates into the fluis causing it to darken.. Then it settles out into patches again.. Click image to enlarge |
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26th Sep 2023 5:38pm |
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| andy63 Member Since: 30 Jun 2023 Location: north east Posts: 239
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At the risk of boring folk who might not see anything unusual about this contamination of the clutch fluid.. Defenders always seem to have dirty clutch fluid or so it would seem.. And I'm new to all things landrover..
Anyhow I'm still keeping an eye on it.. Each time I use it I'm checking the reservoir and syphoning off the debris.. It does appear to be coming from the master cylinder.. Click image to enlarge And after syphoning Click image to enlarge Another one showing two jars with the syphoned fluid.. The top one has been gently shaken and the debris dispersed into the fluid darkening it.. In a day or so it will reform as in the bottom jar Click image to enlarge |
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1st Oct 2023 9:59am |
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| andy63 Member Since: 30 Jun 2023 Location: north east Posts: 239
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Duplicate.. Editedđź‘Ť
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1st Oct 2023 10:06am |
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| Screbble Member Since: 26 Apr 2015 Location: Lancashire Posts: 2033 
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Interesting.
I’d still support Geo’s suggestion of purchasing a relatively inexpensive tool to measure water content of brake/clutch fluid. Invaluable |
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1st Oct 2023 11:18am |
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| andy63 Member Since: 30 Jun 2023 Location: north east Posts: 239
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Yep.. I will get a tool as he suggested.. Geo has given me quite a bit advice over my defender,đź‘Ť
It's just I can not believe this is moisture related.. The fluid may be hygroscopic but it's brand new fluid and the system has been well flushed with new fluid.. I'm at the end of a litre bottle and lost count of the number of reservoir full that have been through the system.. It also is becoming pretty clear it's appearing after use.. Not just from sitting.. |
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1st Oct 2023 11:28am |
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