George,

That's very impressive and it makes me think twice before even challenging you. However, you must understand that from my POV, you're just another third party expert speaking about his experiences with DOT 3,4,5 and the like. I hope you don't take offense to my saying that.

That being said, I do not have any personal experience with DOT 5, nor do I know anyone personally who has. All I can go by is what I have found on other websites similar to this one:

http://www.xs11.com/tips/maintenance/maint1.shtml

and

http://hometown.aol.com/tfrecord/page31.html

The latter website makes mention of military applications for DOT 5 fluid.

There are also afew sites that talk about silicone fluid not being compatible with ABS systems due to its viscosity and inability to provide lubrication.

The consensus seems to be that if water somehow made it into the system, the results with DOT 5 could be catastrophic under heavy braking since the water sinks down towards the calipers. I guess you could crack open the bleeder screw to release any water that has settled, but if you're doing that, why bother taking the chance on something that seems to be so controversial?

Personally, I will just stick to ATE Super Blue DOT4 and bleed the system out on a regular basis. It's a risk/benefit situation for me. I don't need such a high boiling point as the one provided by DOT 5, and in theory, no corrosion should occur if the system is bled out properly on DOT 4.

My 2 cents and change. :)
--
Kenric Tam
1990 Volvo 740 base sedan (B230F)
My Volvo 'Project'