Brake fluid reservoir

[hauser]

Has anyone had any luck in reviving their old brake fluid reservoir?  I have mine soaking in industrial strength floor degreaser.  I have also run it through a commercial dishwasher a few times and have returned it back to soaking in the degreaser.

If you had had any luck in rejuvenating your reservoir I'd like to hear your comments.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[mdsalemi]

Hi Hauser,

I think the discoloration is permanent and thus not reversible.  In fact, from what I've read, color changes in many plastics such as HDPE, LDPE, and PP (the reservoir is most likely one of those) can be a result of heat oxidation, and or oxidation of the chemical structure, or breakdown of the stabilizers in the plastic.  Soaking in degreaser might actually be adding to the problem rather than curing it.

Plastics have a variety of additives to them--plasticizers, anti-oxidents, UV and other inhibitors, etc.  These outgas over time and also are affected by sun, chemicals, heat and other environmental factors.

The darn things just yellow with age and think there's no turning back.

I have various kinds of plastic tubing used for chemical feeds at my car wash, and they get rock hard, and change from clear to yellow to dark brown in a matter of months.  I once found a substitute that didn't do that but it collapes in suction use, thus was useless.  It was also gawdawful expensive.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

[hauser]

So far there's been an improvement in the caps and around the threaded areas.  The unit was pretty cruddy and I would say there's been a little improvement overall approximately two shades lighter.  I believe Tom Sargeant tried to rejuvenate one but not sure what his results were.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by hauser

So far there's been an improvement in the caps and around the threaded areas.  The unit was pretty cruddy and I would say there's been a little improvement overall approximately two shades lighter.  I believe Tom Sargeant tried to rejuvenate one but not sure what his results were.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

Tom didn't have much luck from what he told me.

Your improvement in the threaded area is simple: that part was covered by a cap and thus protected.

But if you've gotten 2 shades lighter, consider it a partial success and put it back to work cleaner and brighter!

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

[Kenneth Gear]

I too tried sevral degreasers, and several different types of plastic cleaners all to no avail.

 I put the yellowed original back in rather than the newer bright white replacement type.


Ken G
1971 280 SL Silver/red

[hauser]

Update  After soaking in the degreaser for 36+ hours not much improvement although some areas have cleared up.  Will continue with it until there are no longer visual improvements.  I'll keep you posted.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[Bob G ✝︎]

Hauser:
I saved my old one and tried to clean it. It is better but not perfect. Since my car is a weekend driver I purchased the replacement brake fluid resivor. I also purchased a new blater and caps for my old one. I also have the same problem with my wife's 1992 300E which only has 38000 miles new ones are availible for her car ,but it not a collectible car like ours.
Bob Geco