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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Rolls Royce 1969 brake fluid

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Expert: - 6/25/2009


Question
My local mechanic put new brake lines in my 1969 RR silver shadow . After a
month I noticed the fluid was low in one side of the tank. I asked him what
brake fluid he used because I didn't want to mix brands and he said Castrol
dot 3 or any dot 3 . I looked on line and several sites said that if you used dot
3 it would ruin the brakes and the nitrile seals. I always used Castrol 363.
What should I do now? Have the lines drained and the 363 put in or has
damage been done already or just use more dot 3 like the local repairman
says. Second problem the right hand light on the dashboard (brake light)
stays on .

Answer
Hi David:
It's obvious your local repair guy don't really understand Rolls Royces. The RR braking System is one of the most complex ever designed. If this guy isn't a certified RR mechanic, I suggest to take it to one.

They will completely drain and braking system immediately and replace with Castrol 363. Overtime, DOT 3 will ruin your complete hydraulic system. That is a $10,000 repair!

The fact that the brake lights remain on is another problem. That means the DOT 3 is not working well with the Nitrogen Charged accumulators. These may need to be recharged or rebuilt.

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Vern Bullock

Expertise

Visit my website at: http://www.classytransportation.com/ I can answer most questions about autos built in the 60's 70's and 80's. Specifically, Lincolns, Rolls Royces and the Excaliburs. Mechanical issues and technical questions are my expertise. I also have a general knowledge of most older automobiles. Keep in mind, I can only provide answers if the questions are very specific and complete. Without details, I can only speculate and that's not good for solving your problem.

Experience

I have owned and maintained Silver Shadows for over 10 years now. I find most mechanics and even Rolls Royce mechanics have very little knowledge about these automobiles. I have researched these cars in quite a bit of detail and can pretty much tell you what is wrong, if you can describe the behavior in detail. I have saved quite a few RR owners a lot of money and aggravation due to improper diagnosis. I am the owner of Classy Transportation, LLC a luxury limousine service specializing in antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars and exotic cars.

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Classy Transportation, LLC Limousine Service.

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All around the Internet

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I hold a BS degree in computer science and a MS degree in mechanical engineering.

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I regularly compete at car shows and average around a dozen awards annually.

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See Web site at: http://www.classytransportation.com/

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