DeTomaso Mailing List: February 2001, Message #12

In a message dated 2/1/01 0:37:51, wallroose@hotmail.com writes:

<< 1.  Can I (the shop) screw this up by putting in the wrong fluid.

>>>Yes, but it's highly unlikely.  

2.  What kind (dot3 or dot4 or dotx) should I specify.

>>>>Panteras should use DOT3 which is the most common type.  Castrol SRF or 
Ford/Motorcraft are probably best.

3.  What kind is likely in there stock?

> >>Italian, and OLD!  If your fluid has truly NEVER been changed in 25 
years, shame on everybody who ever owned the car!  Your brake system is 
probably in need of some maintenance--you will probably have 
rust/pitting/deterioriation on the inside of the calipers.  Of course, you 
COULD get lucky....

I'd make a point of watching the operation and seeing what comes out!  If 
it's frightening, be mentally planning for maintenance at some point.

It's very easy for the shuttle valve to get stuck if the system hasn't been 
maintained.  (This valve is located inside the brass junction block bolted to 
the front trunk floor; the block has several brake lines running to/from it, 
as well as the electric brake light switch, etc.)

The differential pressure during bleeding causes it to shift to one side (it 
thinks there is a brake line failure) and if it get stuck there, braking to 
one or the other system will be seriously compromised.  If, after changing 
the fluid, you note a degredation in performance, if you can't get a nice 
firm pedal, and especially if you find that under hard braking, one or the 
other end seems to lock prematurely, then that is usually the cause.  It 
would need to be removed, dismantled and cleaned out.  

Mike