Ate Blue

#1

Anyone care to enlighten me as to how long an open bottle of Ate Blue (brake fluid) is good for until it’s picked up too much moisture to be useful?

#2

Six months tops, in this application. But that goes for any brake fluid.

I have zero use for ATE blue. The dye will stain the reservoir and make level checks difficult. ATE Type 200 is the same fluid, sans dye, and is the better choice.

Given the risk associated with left over brake fluid and the need to frequently bleed the brake system, I do a flush/bleed each time. One liter of fluid is is just enough to flush the brake system if you push a measured 250cc through each rear caliper and 150cc through each front caliper. That is not an onerous chore if you use a pressure bleeder. And you have the piece of mind in knowing that any brake problems aren’t the result of a problem with the fluid.

#3

I buy mine used from a local hydraulic shop, I can get it from them for $3.50 for 12 gallons. That is enough to last me the year. What I don’t use in the car I put in a spray jug and use it to kill weeds in the yard.

You guys using that fancy ATE must be made out of money or something. That is what is ruining this series.

#4

ATE is fine and reasonably priced. I alternate blue and amber, so you can see when you get a clean flush. I have not had problems with staining of the reservoir. I think 6 months sounds reasonable for age of a can of fluid. You should use a liter in much less time.
Ed

#5

IndyJim wrote:

[quote]I buy mine used from a local hydraulic shop, I can get it from them for $3.50 for 12 gallons. That is enough to last me the year. What I don’t use in the car I put in a spray jug and use it to kill weeds in the yard.

You guys using that fancy ATE must be made out of money or something. That is what is ruining this series.[/quote]

  • at first I thought you were getting ATE blue for that price and killing weeds with it - almost fell off my chair.:laugh:
#6

IndyJim wrote:

[quote]I buy mine used from a local hydraulic shop, I can get it from them for $3.50 for 12 gallons. That is enough to last me the year. What I don’t use in the car I put in a spray jug and use it to kill weeds in the yard.

You guys using that fancy ATE must be made out of money or something. That is what is ruining this series.[/quote]

Once in a while, I drive by IndyJim’s house and search his trash. Sometimes when I’m lucky, I find his drained brake fluid collected in Crown Royal bottle.

Sweet! That’s what I use in Mr. Junky. I do add blue dye to make it look like Ate.