I think using a dropper to add tiny drops of water to the brake fluid would be interesting, just to see how much water is needed before it spoils the brake fluid. Very interesting product. 2x👍
@frankowalker4662
23 сағат бұрын
I was thinking the same thing. 👍
@khalidacosta7133
19 сағат бұрын
I tested it at the correct percentages (weighed brake fluid into a fixed amount of water) and it was generally reliable.
@Pippy626
Күн бұрын
So only brake fluid and water where is the whisky or vodka testing?
@tncorgi92
22 сағат бұрын
So will brake fluid carbonate? We need to know.
@stco2426
21 сағат бұрын
@@tncorgi92 One moment, please!
@adidasmanuk
21 сағат бұрын
The brake fluid did look like a rather nice malt ;)
@notsurt
11 сағат бұрын
"Oh, this whiskey is showing yellow, better drink it all immediately to prevent it going to waste!"
@ChrisBigBad
11 сағат бұрын
Jägermeister!
@paulgrimshaw6301
13 сағат бұрын
The idea of the second comparator is that you hold in the button when turning on the tester, and during this time the LEDs will indicate the battery level. The instructions say that the red LED lights to indicate low battery.
@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT
23 сағат бұрын
Remarkably more complex than it seemed! I could have used it, some 3 decades ago, when I had spongy brakes in my old Seat and couldn't figure out the problem (I had installed almost everything new), until an old mechanic told me "change the damn brake fluid"!".
@MarcusTheDorkus
20 күн бұрын
Does this also work on headlight fluid?
@uzlonewolf
20 күн бұрын
It worked on my blinker fluid so it should work on your headlight fluid as well.
@KeritechElectronics
20 күн бұрын
From what I know, it should work on flux capacitor fluid too...
@barrieshepherd7694
20 күн бұрын
Not on the fluids in German cars lights.
@uzlonewolf
20 күн бұрын
@@KeritechElectronics Silly time traveler, flux capacitors don't use fluid. Just feed them 1.21 jigowatts and they'll be happy.
@strehlow
20 күн бұрын
How about prop wash?
@Fluxkompressor
11 сағат бұрын
Thanks for the reminder to actually check the brake fluid on my car Should have been done about 4 or 5 years ago, so it's about time...
@BillDunlop-b1u
10 сағат бұрын
I have two of these both from the same vendor on AliExpress. When I had the contract for maintaining/repairing motorbikes for a postal company. The first got a bit damaged which happens when a bike is on the stand and the tester falls off as another bike is being wheeled out and over the tester. After the second had been used a bit, I glued up the original and it worked. Just for fun I added, drop by drop, water to jar of brake fluid and used both testers to see how close the calibration of the testers were to each other. They were surprisingly close to each other; just a drop or two. They were the same brand and model, but bought about two years apart. They appear to be much better made than the one you have.
@Time-Trvlr
6 сағат бұрын
I was impressed that you knew the effect water had when DOT was contaminated. (boiling to gas creating spongy braking.) Very much enjoy your channel and your teaching intelligence.
@nowster
21 сағат бұрын
The "pink" input/comparator either checks the battery voltage or calibrates the set point timer/counters using the battery voltage as a reference. Capacitors are high tolerance components, so this is possible.
@ThePrawlin
7 сағат бұрын
I have one of these. I got it about 20y ago! It’s identical but bears the Gunson brand. The red led is very bright on mine. Have used it many times. I even found some brand new just opened freshly bought fluid which showed Amber! It’s still works fine. Battery lasts forever. Keep checking for battery leaks but ok so far. Important to keep the probe tips scrupulously clean and oil free. Clean with IPA.
@emmanuelgoldstein3682
17 сағат бұрын
I love this channel so much. Thank you, Electrowizard Clive 😊
@pantherplatform
Күн бұрын
Fanny Flambeau Fluid Taster™
@paulmccoy2908
19 сағат бұрын
My dad had a brake fluid tester that was based on a piezoelectric igniter. You would stick the end into the reservoir and click it, and if you saw a spark in the window, the fluid was good. If the fluid was bad, the spark would jump across the electrodes at the tip instead of the ones at the window. He lost his sometime after he retired and I haven’t ever been able to find another one.
@demil3618
Сағат бұрын
" *_reverse_** egineering is complete* ": That's the moment I'm always waiting for 😁 I am tempted to take mine apart now and see if this one is different. Quite a lot of thought and detail has gone into this tiny tool though.
@MasterBakerVideos
23 сағат бұрын
It doesn't appear to have a seal at the probe ends. I wonder what would happen to the circuit board and battery if it was dropped in fluid. Brake fluid also removes fingerprints if exposed long enough. I used to do brake work daily for a few years and learned how destructive brake fluid can be.
@ratchetfox8111
21 сағат бұрын
I have a very similar one I bought many years ago off a tool van (circa 2000...) the probes are moulded into the case, and seem to be impervious to fluid getting in.... If it was immersed for a long period it may eventually leach in though
@rewIndustry
21 сағат бұрын
i think it does have a seal, those contacts are embedded in the plastic, and i presume the springs are there to ensure good contact.
@jimmuehlberg2153
3 сағат бұрын
After a bit of OCD Engineer googling, it came to my attention, and made perfect sense, that brake fluid should be tested by determining it's boiling point. Found a video by Bendix. Bendix has made a few brake components in their lifetime, so I tend to agree! The "voltage test" pervasive on the Tube is total BS. The resistance test is slightly less BS but I am sure can be highly variable with different fluids because of probe surface area, separation, and test voltages, etc. Of course in the end, just flush and fill per mfr's recommendation and don't sweat it!
@ThePrawlin
7 сағат бұрын
That brake fluid looks exactly like scotch in those glasses!! Be careful not to swig it!
@kacek819
23 сағат бұрын
I think the op amp input checks battery voltage
@Uncle-Duncan-Shack
15 сағат бұрын
The graduations are for the blinker fluid refilling product.
@paulmeynell8866
23 сағат бұрын
An interesting video thanks , got me thinking about brake fluid now!
@RedFathom
22 сағат бұрын
fascinating we mostly use dot 3 here in the U.S. but it is bad for a lot of older British cars that use Girling brake fluid. it also gets moisture in it.
@robinbrowne5419
23 сағат бұрын
I haven't even watched the video yet and I haven't even skipped the ad, but I am going to tell you this little story about the state of global trade and affairs. I just bought a new mattress from Amazon and it arrived promptly. However the warranty paper is worded like this. "We always has your needs and wants in mind. We products are manufactured to us highest quality and are warranted for a period of 1 year against manufacturing defects... ...with the exception of upholstery materials, foam, ..." This is a mattress and is made of foam. Sigh.. Oh well at least the piece of paper is good for 2 things: lining our budgie cage or making a paper airplane. I will choose the latter. And now to skip the ad and watch the video. 🙂👍
@GluteMaximuz
19 сағат бұрын
I bought a memory foam topper from Amazon. With the increased height, it wasn't as comfortable as getting into bed, as before. As there was a 100 day return policy, I emailed the seller and requested return. They came back and offered discount to avoid a return at their expense. Now the proud user of a memory foam topper and £45. 😀
@phils4634
19 сағат бұрын
Edwards High Vacuum used to make a very similar gadget for assessing water contamination in their vacuum pump oil. Theirs was analogue, with a tiny moving coil "battery level" type meter. Ran forever on a PP9 battery. Far simpler internals, and they recommended cleaning the probes before use, which suggests a d.c. rather than a.c. measurement system.
@rudolfecker7691
5 сағат бұрын
I had the agency for such a product in 1989, to sell to garages. It came with a large motorised pump and pipes to change and bleed the fluid if necessary. As an agency, It was not a success but I came away with an idea to make a pocket green/amber/red tester to dip in the brake fluid reservoir. I actually made a working prototype... but then... like so many other bright ideas... I never did anything with the idea. Regrets? I've had a few... 😀
@zippy5131
17 сағат бұрын
My brake fluid in my old car is silcon, so....... no hygroscopic madness for me. But I wish we had stuff like this back in the '80's, would have made the job so much simpler.
@groundcontrolto
23 сағат бұрын
I have a set of kitchen scales which I've replaced the power/tare button on several times. When the button approaches the end of its life, I tend to get rogue presses which sometimes put it in a calibration mode waiting for a 5kg reference weight. I'm amazed I've not accidentally screwed the calibration after all these years.
@bigclivedotcom
21 сағат бұрын
The calibration modes are expecting somewhere in the region of the calibration weight. If the current weight is nowhere near that they will not calibrate.
@bren106
19 сағат бұрын
*Silverline, cheap and cheerful but usually **-useful-** shite.* _Does brake fluid carbonate?_
@SirBoden
21 сағат бұрын
I have a similar device for checking hydroponic nutrient levels. There is a specific calibration fluid that may be necessary for your calibration mode.
@matthiash.4670
10 сағат бұрын
The comparator are a rudimentary ADC in a clever design. And the 1.5v tap off seems to be a battary measurement. I guess it will blink ore something if the battery is nearly dead.
@MrGazzw
19 сағат бұрын
Very interesting. I purchased one from lidl in the Parkside brand (HG08332 PBFT A1). It looks tougher than that one. It also has 5 led's (1 green, 2 amber, 2 red) 4 for the fluid test and for battery life with 5 percentage marks going up it and the all light up at the start, then just a green one at the bottom stays on until you test the fluid, you can even turn it on and off with the power button. It wasn't too expensive and seems to work well. Watching this made me wonder how different this one must be made, if there is any difference. I also picked up a cordless rechargeable soldering iron(PLKA 4 B3) in the same brand at the same time that seems to work well enough to what can tell after using mine, seems very handy.
@Youtubecensoredmyusername
17 сағат бұрын
The tool I never knew I needed. I like it
@Netties8266
23 сағат бұрын
I have one of these. I put it in my beer and it tells me to replace my fluid. So I do that and after a few more beers I stagger home. That’s when I get into trouble.
@GeneCash
19 сағат бұрын
Actually, here in Florida my brake fluid turns black from moisture, so I change it every Christmas. 5 bikes = 10 brake systems and 3 hydraulic clutches, so that's 13 total. Yes, I have A System and I've made several tools out of computer water cooling parts to help.
@SirBoden
21 сағат бұрын
That reminds me, I need to change my blinker fluid.
@uksuperrascal
7 сағат бұрын
Make sure there is no moisture in the mercy switch.?
@curtishoffmann6956
16 сағат бұрын
I checked your brake fluid, and I'm proud to announce it's a boy!
@amorphuc
15 сағат бұрын
Cool. Thank you Big Clive. Pretty wild.
@Thingstest-rl8xu
23 сағат бұрын
DOT 3 4 and 5dot1 are Glycol based but because of different formulas for each number many 2 probe testers have to be calibrated for the type to test. Wet Boil Temp spec is a Fluid with < 4% water. Many brake systems have way more then 4% and Fluid often Boils near 100C. These are cheap "tools" that are often inaccurate and Fails soon. There is a tool originally made by Alba Diagnostics in Scotland that actually Boils a small test sample and no need to calibrate for DOT number. ⚠Do Not confuse with DOT 5 Silicone that have different problems and not compatible with glycol brake fluid systems.
@ChongMcBong
Күн бұрын
my brake juice boiled on the way to work one day. pedal went all the way to the floor due to the bubbles, and brake disk was glowing cherry red when i arrived at work :)
@bigclivedotcom
Күн бұрын
I wonder if that was a seized caliper that caused excessive binding.
@MichielvanderMeulen
22 сағат бұрын
@@bigclivedotcomProbably the boiling water that keeps the pads pressed to the disc?
@rewIndustry
21 сағат бұрын
@@MichielvanderMeulen my old vw camper developed that problem on the offside front wheel, very scary - apply the brakes enough to boil the water, the front left wheel locks up, and fortunately i went into the ditch, not into traffic. problem magically went away, when i got started again, and put me back in the ditch, the next time i hit the brakes. in short, wet brake oil can be deadly.
@MichielvanderMeulen
16 сағат бұрын
@@rewIndustry oh no :((
@dreddwailing5505
3 сағат бұрын
I think you should drop some of those beads you had a couple of weeks ago into brake fluid to compare the swelling or shrinkage, perhaps the bead diameter would correlate to the moisture content
@ingolister6414
5 сағат бұрын
Interesting design, as you pointed out more complex than expected. Wondering if this design comes about because it is more accurate, or if the engineer was handed some surplus parts and told to make something useful.
@TexarkanaTim
22 сағат бұрын
My brake fluid tester has settings for different fluid types as well as different brands. Yes, there is a difference between brands even if they have the same rating.
@snakezdewiggle6084
14 сағат бұрын
I think you will be replacing the battery more often than checking the fluid. I just use my foot on the brake peddle.! When I drove trucks, 22 wheels. Every time the weather changed, new fluid and bleed.
@davebashford3753
14 сағат бұрын
this looks vaguely like a water TDS (total dissolved solids) tester! would be interesting to compare.
@bigclivedotcom
13 сағат бұрын
Very similar operation, but with a digital display instead.
@stco2426
21 сағат бұрын
Does the packaging say what the LED colours refer to? I just do a full fluid swap every 3y or thereabout (sooner if the brakes need work). For the cost of a couple of litres of fluid it's just easier to exchange it, espacially as the water absorption is probably happening all the time (I think).
@bigclivedotcom
21 сағат бұрын
They give a percentage indication, but yellow is advising new fluid soon and red is definitely changing the fluid.
@JohnSmith-vi5pz
6 сағат бұрын
The brake fluid on car paint is decades old. I wonder if it would have an effect on modern two pack clear coat as all modern cars use today?
@KrazyMitchAdventures
14 сағат бұрын
0:59NOT *JUST* Dot 4, Most fluids fall into the DOT 3, DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 classification. These fluids are all hygroscopic, which means they absorb moisture from the air. DOT 5 fluids are not hygroscopic but are often used in vehicles that sit for long periods of time, such as collector cars or military vehicles and All DOT compliant fluids must be colorless or amber, except for DOT 5 silicone, which must be purple. (knock-off brands) of brake Fluid not following the DOT standard may be in any color, and generally are not recommended for use.
@nutsnproud6932
22 сағат бұрын
I own this very handy tool. If I test and the LED is yellow I change the fluid.
@jdmccorful
21 сағат бұрын
Makes sense.
@user-mo5hz9kp6y
6 сағат бұрын
Could you do the same job with a multimetre? Can you make a capacitor using brake fluid?
@bigclivedotcom
3 сағат бұрын
Liquid resistivity is best measured with AC. You could make a form of resistor with brake fluid.
@FireballXL55
9 сағат бұрын
I guess they just followed the NCP1400A datasheet when the used a Tantalum cap as that is what the datasheet suggests.
@kevin30b90
12 сағат бұрын
The output of the lower comparator will be a PWM signal determined by the battery voltage. Could it be part of a battery check function?
@io3207
Күн бұрын
As someone explained to me, the issue with water anywhere in your brake system is within the metal and plastic tubes under the immense pleasure. If you have a section of water with oil on either side (within the line) then the once simple hydraulics have been totally altered. Now, finding water at the reservoir may be enough indication for a fluid change, but I am unsure if water in the middle of the line is detectable from the reservoir, I think you can only know if the brake pedal is operating abnormal. Especially so since brake fluid is an oil and floats on top of water.
@bigclivedotcom
Күн бұрын
I think any water in a glycol system will tend to diffuse through all the liquid.
@02blazp
23 сағат бұрын
Tubes under immense pleasure 😂😂
@brianargo4595
23 сағат бұрын
Water has a significantly lower boiling temperature than brake fluid, when it boils your brake system is suddenly pneumatic and not hydraulic. Pneumatic systems are springy, hydraulic are (mostly) not. That 30 to 50 psi you were providing to the pistons suddenly becomes almost nothing.
@ruben_balea
23 сағат бұрын
@@brianargo4595 On cars with a brake booster it's easy to reach way over 500 PSI, if you have strong legs you can make 1500 PSI which are enough to burst some aftermarket stainless steel braided hoses that are meant only for quads and bikes but some people uses them on cars because it's cheaper than the proper hose. DOT/SAE approved hoses have a working pressure of at least 4000 PSI
@pollywollydo
22 сағат бұрын
The garage proffesionl tool heats the sample and measures the boiling point different fluids have differing points in order to “ pass”
@dashcamandy2242
22 сағат бұрын
I was wondering if a device like this existed; now that I know it does, I should probably add one to my toolbox. (Yes, I know about brake fluid test strips.) Having a hard-to-press button means it's less likely to be turned on accidentally as it bangs around in a toolbox/chest, so I wonder if that was a design choice or an unplanned feature. When you bring your car in for brake service and they recommend a fluid flush as an add-on service, water in the fluid is reason why. The last thing you want is water in your brake fluid, it can cause all sorts of problems, including interior rusting/corrosion of brake components. Sometimes shops tack it on simply to make more money, but a routine flush is considered best practice. Every two years is appropriate, but it should also be flushed after any major brake work that requires the master cylinder or lines be exposed to open air.
@dallasgrant
20 сағат бұрын
The "youths" went on a brake fluid spraying spree a couple of years ago in my area, so much damage from a seemingly innocuous liquid.
@robr4662
21 сағат бұрын
I actually use break fluid to remove paint when the underlying material doesn't react well to traditional paint stripper.
@GluteMaximuz
19 сағат бұрын
old brake fluid and engine oil to assist seized nuts and bolts. Not done it for a long time, so whether it worked or still does, I have no idea.
@GothGuy885
21 сағат бұрын
very handy Gadget! 👍 kind of off topic but, my friend and I had classic cars. two were Hudsons, from the 1940's, which were independent from the big 3. and a constant thorn in their side. the Hudsons had a secondary breaking system.that if you lost all your brake fluid, by pushing the brake pedal all the way down, it would pull a cable connected to the emergency brake. they were very innovative and ahead of their time. sad they were eventually run out of business bu the big 3 bullies 😡 PS: they were American cars, not sure if they ever were in England/UK....
@JoyClinton-i8g
3 сағат бұрын
1. In the animated movie CARS, the Hudson Hornet (an actual production car) is voiced by Paul Neuman. 2. My grandmother worked for Hudson in Detroit during WWII. Not making cars, making war materials. 3. Hudson's was the largest department store chain in metro Detroit. Bought-out by Dayton's (of Minneapolis). Dayton's became Target, as the stores had to compete with Walmart.
@Slikx666
16 сағат бұрын
And I learnt something about brake fluid. 😄👍
@skyll4141
22 сағат бұрын
interesting to see how it works. I've not come across one before. would it work on wet pants?.
@bigclivedotcom
21 сағат бұрын
It should work on moist pants.
@andrewprettyquick2070
22 сағат бұрын
will it soda stream?.
@stco2426
21 сағат бұрын
I thought those were two drams, on the desk.
@stephenworthington8508
Күн бұрын
Interesting, might have a weather station for you some time. Take care...
@jpt3640
Күн бұрын
Does this also work for citroen LHM hydraulic fluid which they use for brakes?
@SeanBZA
23 сағат бұрын
No, only for standard DOT1 to DOT4 brake fluids, as those are glycol based. DOT5 fluid is based on silicones, so it will not work with them, though they are also hydrophobic, so water does not mix with them. Hydraulic fluid you have to use either a viscometer or a testing lab, to tell if there are wear particles in it, or if the additive pack is depleted. Easiest is to simply replace it on a regular basis instead, which is cheaper than sending off the sample to test.
@DogsBAwesome
23 сағат бұрын
Silverline stuff is good enough for normal home use.
@joeschmo622
16 сағат бұрын
Ah, but will brake fluid carbonate?
@christopherrasmussen8718
22 минут бұрын
Still bending glass?
@bigclivedotcom
5 минут бұрын
Only very badly when I have to.
@mrwoodandmrtin
18 сағат бұрын
What,? you didn't keep adding drops of water to the brake fluid to see when it changed to red.
@bigclivedotcom
15 сағат бұрын
I should have tried that.
@paulgee2468
Күн бұрын
I just use a voltmeter. Positive tip in the brake fluid, negative to ground (idealy to the body of the cylinder just below the resrvoir). If the voltage is less than 0.3, fluid is okay. No battery or special tester needed! But then... maybe I'm wrong 😮
@bigclivedotcom
Күн бұрын
I'm not sure that would be accurate. But I suppose you could detect a DC resistance.
@paulgee2468
23 сағат бұрын
The problem with a simple resistance check is the voltage being generated (by the galvanic effect?) will affect the resistance reading.
@peterhancox6962
23 сағат бұрын
yes i remember driving a mini and someone had trown brake fluid all over the car
@connclissmann6514
Күн бұрын
If your diagnostic tool tells you your brake fluid is fine, why would you change it? Just asking... Thanks for the video.
@bigclivedotcom
Күн бұрын
I just felt the need to change it anyway.
@tigersupercat
23 сағат бұрын
Most manufacturers recommend changing brake fluid every two years as standard servicing
@andrewprettyquick2070
22 сағат бұрын
Can you boil the fluid 'dry'?
@bigclivedotcom
21 сағат бұрын
Not easily. Low fluid might indicate a leak somewhere.
@cyberhornthedragon
14 сағат бұрын
even dot 3 clive has the same issue i can imagine my 79 toyota truck is likely to send this sensor into fits LOL
@handyman7147
15 сағат бұрын
Isn't it much simpler to measure the conductivity using a multimeter and a custom probe ? You can compare the reading to a test chart.
@bigclivedotcom
15 сағат бұрын
The DC is an issue for testing liquids.
@handyman7147
7 сағат бұрын
Got it. How about trying a water quality tester. It's cheap. Just a thought
@martin-vv9lf
4 сағат бұрын
@@handyman7147 or a radio frequency standing wave ratio meter
@mikehigham23
23 сағат бұрын
Interesting, coincidentally, I just picked-up a break fluid tester (make: Parkside - yes Lidl), discounted to £2! *Seems* to be a little more - err - sophisticated - than yours, with 5 LEDs, indicating 0%, 4%. I don't think it's going to come apart though - in any way it will function again anyhow. Seems to have welded seams.
@alexmarshall4331
17 сағат бұрын
It is human to err
@DaveF.
11 сағат бұрын
Kodak batteries - I didn't know that was a thing - I thought the company had died. Assuming this is now just a branding/marketting think? One step down from what Phillips has now become?
@bigclivedotcom
4 сағат бұрын
Just another zombie brand.
@assassinlexx1993
Күн бұрын
You would think if brake fluid gets contained by water. There be a silica desiccant container in the master cylinder.
@Growis83
Күн бұрын
Skoda did this for a while, but the packs had a habit of breaking down causing issues, so they stopped doing it.
@SeanBZA
23 сағат бұрын
Plus the fluid bonds to the water better than the silica gel does.
@TomAlter1000
20 сағат бұрын
@@Growis83 They were putting silica in the coolant header tank not the brake fluid.
@Growis83
12 сағат бұрын
@@TomAlter1000 was it? Ooops. Good thing I haven’t tried replacing the brake fluid in it yet then!
@leybraith3561
17 күн бұрын
... mmmm... agree with your comments re the button being pressed during operation (@11'ish min) likely being some sort of check / calibration scenario using something other than clean brake fluid. ... I assume the leds don't show any change when u press button while device is being used. ...Maybe its just someone's sense of humor?....fun... thanks for the investigation..
@snipersquad100
23 сағат бұрын
Why not just use a multimeter to measure the resistance.
@bigclivedotcom
21 сағат бұрын
DC causes issues with measuring liquid resistance.
@gregorythomas333
20 күн бұрын
Cool little device...pretty handy to have around.
@JimnyVR5
9 сағат бұрын
Does that do anything in real life though? The brake fluid doesn't circulate in the system, so you're just measuring the reservoir
@bigclivedotcom
3 сағат бұрын
Moisture tends to distribute through glycol.
@welbow
19 сағат бұрын
Now we need to know if brake fluid carbonates....
@mrm1885
9 сағат бұрын
I have one of those testers. Used it 2 times then the tip broke off. Quality is not fantastic
@phonotical
12 күн бұрын
Aren't there different types of brake fluid and would be a different resistance?
@bigclivedotcom
12 күн бұрын
Most are glycol based and have a high resistance until moisture affects them.
@rimmersbryggeri
Күн бұрын
Most cars use DOT4 the other ones are uncommon enough that they can be disregarded for the purposes of this device. Mostly used in race cars which should usually flush the brake system so often that water retention shouldnt be a problem. (That actually is the case for all cars if maintained properly).
@tonysheerness2427
Күн бұрын
@@rimmersbryggeri What mileage do they recommend brake fluid changes or time?
@rimmersbryggeri
Күн бұрын
@@tonysheerness2427 Every 2nd year is how often it has been done on all brands I have worked on in a dealership which is about 10. This service point is often overlooked when the vehicle goes out of warranty and only gets "serviced" at quick lube style places (Oil and filter only). This can dramatically shorten the service life of especially calipers/ slave cylinder as the corrosion inhibiters precipitate out and the fluid may also become mildly corrosive from environmental factors. This an draining the radiator are the probably the most ignored service points in older cars both cause simular problems to.
@connclissmann6514
Күн бұрын
@@tonysheerness2427 If there is significant moisture in the fluid, change it. That is the very reason such diagnostic devices are sold. Frequency depends on the humidity in your normal driving environment, how well the vehicle seals perform and a range of related stuff so checking every 6 months or so is a good idea. If you feel your brakes going mushy, check immediately.
@Alacritous
Күн бұрын
that looks ridiculously more complicated than it needs to be. Much more complex than the circuit continuity tester you looked at before. The clear blue screwdrivery looking thing.
@rewIndustry
21 сағат бұрын
it is not easy detecting moisture accurately and reliably, or how would you do it?
@Alacritous
21 сағат бұрын
@@rewIndustry it's three LED indicators. It's not that accurate.
@chantalslut
21 сағат бұрын
Yeah, thats what i thought. It has a microcontroller on it ffs. Come on! But then, if the chinese can make it so cheap, why worry.
@rewIndustry
18 сағат бұрын
@@Alacritous water in brake oil can be dangerous, even deadly, one should expect the indicators to be accurate, and reliable. again i ask - how would you simplify?
@Alacritous
16 сағат бұрын
@@rewIndustry Are you simple?
@falkkyburz
Күн бұрын
The RC+COMP looks like a poor mans ADC.
@rewIndustry
21 сағат бұрын
agree
@johndododoe1411
19 сағат бұрын
It's a simplified version of the ramp ADC circuits used in older multimeters, these excelled in providing a reliable resolution as big as the timer/counter resolution. Some had circuits to cancel out component tolerances .
@rewIndustry
17 сағат бұрын
@@johndododoe1411 thank you, this seems a valuable technique still, will be useful in my projects, i think. am guessing the second (pink) comparator is for calibration, when the button is open.
@rimmersbryggeri
Күн бұрын
Since brake fluid should be flushed every 24 months devices such as this are slightly redundant.
@twocvbloke
19 сағат бұрын
Meanwhile, Citroens and their LHM for brakes and suspension hydraulics laugh at DOT4... :P
@jimosullivan1389
9 сағат бұрын
3% water is the max safe figure...
@rewIndustry
21 сағат бұрын
i would guess the gradations on the tube are to indicate how much brake fluid you have displaced. since oil floats on water, do you not have to drive the tip down to the bottom of the reservoir? does hydrated glycol sink in brake oil? i don't know, can only guess. this circuit is very interesting to me, as i am using A/C to indicate salt water levels, having had similar problems with D/C corrupting my probes - thank you for your analysis, very helpful.
@thereare4lights137
22 сағат бұрын
It was the hydroscopic properties of dot 3 and dot 4 brake fluid that prompted me to flush the brake fluid on all my vehicles and switch them over to dot 5 brake fluid which is silcone based and non-hydroscopic. It's the moisture that causes calipers and brake cylinders to corrode from the inside and fail. Some of my vehicles have had the same dot 5 brake fluid for 20 years without any problems!
@stco2426
21 сағат бұрын
Are the seals compatible? I see no reason to use less than DOT 4 on any vehicle as lower numbers have worse properties and 4 is only a fraction more expensive, but I don't know about the seals.
@bigclivedotcom
21 сағат бұрын
There's an interesting note that the silicone oil version may not be compatible with some ABS systems
@alansmith4734
Күн бұрын
I have a digital meter that you'd like!? It reads mineral content in water, and tells you how many Parts Per Million (PPM) are in the water. i.e. My tap water is 305, and filtered water from my Brita is 266. Science Equipment is cool! I love a good cup of hot tea, and the water is key!
@terrym1065
23 сағат бұрын
Where I live the water is extremely hard, my meter says 650+ coming from the tap. The APEC 5 stage RO filter system I use reduces the PPM to about 3 or 4...big difference and yes it's all about the water.
@alansmith4734
23 сағат бұрын
@@terrym1065 Watch this Water Filter Test. The Zero Water got my water to 0, but it boiled weird and tasted weird, so I went with Brita. kzitem.info/news/bejne/y5dmz6OOb3mErWU
@hendersonjp
Күн бұрын
Funny as you stuck it in to brake fluid. I got a very strong smell of brake fluid. Mmm strange 🤔
@miketrissel5494
21 сағат бұрын
So, I grab my ohmmeter, stick the probes in the fluid ... 220K and above is good, 150-220K is flakey, and under 150K, it's time for a flush. Sounds a lot better than tasting it... like we used to do in the 70's with that PCB oil.🧐
@u.e.u.e.
Күн бұрын
Would you consider this "pen" reliable? 🤔
@bigclivedotcom
Күн бұрын
Only someone who uses it on a regular basis and keeps it clean as recommended in the instructions can give proper feedback on that.
@AraCarrano
Күн бұрын
if there is any question about the age of brake fluid or if it has water contamination, don't use a sensor. Just change the fluid.
@wisher21uk
11 сағат бұрын
Great explanation Clive thank you so much, very clever unit 😊
@pihakamera
3 сағат бұрын
Looks very much like your whiskey, try some ice and test purity.
@SynKronos
23 сағат бұрын
If you want to dissolve car paint. Then then turpentine (tue real stuff)
@Rentta
22 сағат бұрын
These no longer can be trusted with modern fluids with all kinds of additives
@AMDRADEONRUBY
20 күн бұрын
Very interesting and simple for a brake fluid tester
@steadfasttherenowned2460
22 сағат бұрын
Will it work on alternator balancing solution?
@bigclivedotcom
21 сағат бұрын
I'm not sure what you mean by that.
@chrisprobert6
23 сағат бұрын
I searched for my " blue point" tester . I failed to remove battery. I think its dead.😂 Over 20 years old tho'
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