After 4 years of storage (with occasional engine starts) I finally tried to drive it.
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Both the clutch peddle and brake peddles went straight to the floor.
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The brake fluid in both systems had a mustard like goo in them. The goo was in all the parts and in all the systems.
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Brake cleaner worked somewhat, but I had to replace many parts. The goo in the clutch slave and clutch master was too hard to remove vs just replacing everything.
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I guess the only possible way to prevent this would be to bleed these systems every one or 2 years, even if the vehicle is parked.
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Im posting this so u no. 😉
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That sucks. Thanks for the PSA. Just one of the many joys of living in the hot sweaty south with unbearable humidity.

Do you remember what fluid(s) you were running in the brake and clutch?

 

Non-Synthetic dot 3.
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After research, I now know that Synthetic DOT 3 and 4 is superior and is a better choice for all situations.

 

When I upgraded my brake and clutch system, I used Motul 5.1 which is likely way too much overkill as I'm not on the track and probably not in danger of boiling my fluid. After reading your post, I did some limited research on water absorption rates and it seems like most claim that DOT 3 has the lowest water absorption rate with DOT 4 next and then 5.1 absorbs the most amount of water.

Now debating on flushing everything out and replacing with 3 or 4...

 

Ehh, that is going to vary a lot with the brand of fluid and state of the system. I wouldn't worry about using a 5.1, ironically it's meant for extended intervals. Last I tested mine it was still good after 3-4 years. All of this is more important on the track, for instance track guys swap out SRF every year (DOT 4), while they might go longer on Endless fluid. For a street car that sees zero track I'd use Motul 5.1 or Bosch extended life. If you want the best fluid, just buy Endless.

 

Laff.... a few months ago I explained to a customer why his car that sat for a while (1.5 years or something) exhibited the exact same scenario and wondered why his car wasn't stopping very well. Explained the concept of the hygroscopic properties of brake fluid. He didn't believe me.

"Why would I lie?"

"You want to sell me a brake fluid exchange."

"No, actually, I'm suggesting a whole new brake master, possible brake caliper rebuild, AND a complete brake fluid flush."

He left thinking I was a con man. Whatever.

 

That guy obviously knew more than you. I mean seriously, you only need functioning brakes if you want to stop.

 

Why yes, I guess I learned something from that exchange.

That I shouldn't waste my time on someone who came in and tried to bargain me down on a dino oil change that was only $39 to start with.

 

Sounds like you landed that "job" Mic?
-Icer

 

Oh look. In case there was any doubt that EamonBrightwood was a spammer with his awe-inspiring previous contribution to this thread, he has now shown his true colors by going back and editing his previous post to include some link (which I'm not going to click).

Who is more dumb? The spam bots or the people that click the link?