DOT 3 by mistake
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 40
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From: Western PA.
DOT 3 by mistake
DOT 3 got put into my 13 street glide master cylinder by mistake. It calls for dot 4. Any tips on flushing it out? Practically ate the master cylinder rubber seal. Going o to put new seals in everything.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,070
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Drain the fluid as best you can then flush with denatured alcohol until the system runs clean and clear. Then do the same process with the appropriate fluid.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 4
From: South Carolina
It's not the first time its happened. If you just topped off the master cylinder it probably is not an emergency. DOT 3 has additives to protect rubber so I dont see why it ate up the seals. DOT 3 is more hygroscopic than DOT 4 and the additives protect seals and gaskets was the only difference I was aware of.
Wont be the first time if I'm wrong but I dont think it will ruin anything until you get it bled out.
Wont be the first time if I'm wrong but I dont think it will ruin anything until you get it bled out.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 974
Likes: 13
From: Chesapeake Virginia
If you don't have ABS it is an easy flush and fill with synthetic. It works DOT 3 and Dot 4. Price is CHEAP.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
If you mean it 'ate' the seal of the reservoir cap, simply get a new replacement. I cannot believe it will do any harm elsewhere - as others have said DOT3 and DOT4 are siblings. I do agree that you should flush out the DOT 3 as a precaution, then flush through with DOT4.
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Joined: Nov 2008
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If it were me, I would use something like a Mighty Vac and pull the fresh Dot 4 through the brake system being careful to not let the reservoir run dry (assuming you have ABS). If you are naturally paranoid, do that a couple of times to be extra safe.
Ride More-Worry Less.
If you are one of the unfortunate who lives in the upper snow belt this winter, that may prove to be easier said than done. What are you thinking, about April or May before it all melts?
Ride More-Worry Less.
If you are one of the unfortunate who lives in the upper snow belt this winter, that may prove to be easier said than done. What are you thinking, about April or May before it all melts?
