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I am in agreement, Bill.
I've found several more brake fire incidents - in experimental
(another RV-8), GA and Airliners (small ones). No doubt in my mind at this
point there is little reason I can think of for using the old standard 5606 with
a flash point for from 187-240F (depending on which formulation). The new
stuff H-83282 has a flash point of around 440 F and as
several have mentioned there are brake fluids out there which simply won't
support combustion. I believe Lynn pointed out that the temps of
brakes exceed 400F by a considerable margin - so even the new substitute for the
5606 is no panacea - but still better than having a 200F fluid in my
opinion. Of course, the best prevention is not to have any leaking fluids
- but, then who plans on having a leak.{:>)
Right main gear rod removed yesterday and sent back to Van's
for straightening - so in addition to the $200 for replacing tire, brake line
and pads, there will be the cost for straightening the gear rod (est $180+) plus
the cost of a new wheel pant and hardware plus painting. All in all the
total cost will approach $500 or more all because the $2.00 aluminum tube
brake line broke. All brakes now fed by stainless steel braided,
Teflon-lined genuine brake lines.
Ed A
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, August 28, 2005 1:48
AM
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Flamible brake
fluid
Gasoline is combustible and it is in every light aircraft (unless
it is kerosene or diesel now).
Marc
Marc,
A rather cavalier reply. If you could, wouldn't you carry a NON-flamable
(externally at least) fuel? If it was possible I'd make that change in a
second. We have a running discussion about engine fires and controlling them!
Why on earth would you want brake fluid that burns EASILY?! Compatibility with
aluminum has been the only reason I have heard. This is a non issue with
modern fluids. Ed Anderson has had a brake fluid fire. John Randolph who just
did a round-the-world flight in his RV-8 was stranded in Thiland for 3 weeks
because of a brake fluid fire on landing. These are fires I can mention off
the top of my head and I am sure with little digging I could find more. This
is a completely UNNECESSARY hazard. I will try to remove as many of these as
possible.
Bill Jepson
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