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MG TD TF 1500 - Brake fluid capacity

I’ve checked the archives and can’t find an answer! Approximately how much brake fluid is required to fill the entire system?
Rod Murray 1954 TF
Rodney G Murray

I just added fluid till it bled out without bubbles then filled the reservoir near its top. I would think the total used would vary among different cars for different reasons. Have you tried it yet?
Ed
efh Haskell

I’ve read much in the archives apropos the DOT 4/5 discourse and am leaning to the 5 but need to “load” the system when I go home in April. Thus my question on “approximately “ how much the system will take in fluid so that I take enough home with me!
Regards,
Rod
Rodney G Murray

Hi Rodney,
I have had dot 5 (silicon) fluid in my road TC and race TC for about 35 years and have been very happy with it. I don't know why it isn't standard in modern cars! Perhaps I am missing some negative information? I must search the archives! The only issue I have found is that if there is a tiny leak, Dot 5 will find it! Initially it even soaked through my flexible brake hoses (which were probably old 1947 originals!) As long as flexible hoses, bleed nipples etc are in good condition, I think it is great. I believe that some early style rubber cups would swell up and caused some grief, but modern cups are OK.
Bob Schapel
R L Schapel

Just buy 3 or 4 bottles and you'll have some for future top offs. It's cheap.
efh Haskell

It's simple----Just buy one large bottle and go from there.
Sandy
Sanders

Get the Ezi-Bleeders, makes bleeding easy, I bought 3 bottles and I have one full one left and part of the second one.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

Smaller bottles are better because the ones you don't use remain factory-sealed; brake fluid is hygroscopic, and a large half-filled bottle will eventually absorb water and contaminate what you have left over.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Absolutely, but that is one of several advantages to DOT5, it isn't hygroscopic.
Dave H
Dave Hill

I can NOT recommend the EZ Bleeders! They totally failed the first time I used them. Check the archives.
Ed
efh Haskell

My completely new dry system, cunifer, does have the “easy” bleeders! I’ll get the 3/4 bottles of DOT 5.
Many thanks
Rod
Rodney G Murray

I used a cheap Harbor Freight suction pump to suck the fluid out to the front cylinders.

Then went to furthest from the MC, top up the MC often.

Come back a day later, bleed it again, then a day later, you can get a good pedal with silicone, takes time, worth the time. I did mine 3 years ago, great pedal since.

Take your time, the first test drive is not on day one.

My 1c worth.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

Hi Rod,
I hope you are enjoying yourself in the land of the sun. I should advise you that to-morrow I will enjoy my 15th day on skis this ski season. I know that will make you shudder.
Now regarding your enquiry re brake fluid. I started using Dot 5 when I got the TD back on the road in 1996. At that time I purchased two cans and after all those years of bleeding, and topping up, I still have some left in the 2nd can. As you have done, all my parts and seals were new and I would not consider anything other than Dot 5. Okay, I know your next question, what size cans do I have. They are now plastic containers, and are 350 ml from Napa.

George
George Raham

This thread was discussed between 08/12/2019 and 13/12/2019

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