Can I Use a Heating Pad on my HydraStar Actuator to Keep Brake Fluid From Thickening?

Question:

I have noticed when Temperatures breaks stop working and when bleeding system fuild comes out slowly. Is there a heating element that you offer for this unit. When Temperatures go above 45 degrees everything works.

asked by: Dave C

Expert Reply:

Yes. You can use a stick on heating pad like the Kat's # KH24050 to keep the HydraStar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator # HS381-8067 warmed up and it's not going to damage the system. With that being said, when your brake fluid becomes more viscous like you're describing, it leads me to believe that there is something else going on that is allowing too much water/condensation into your brake lines. It's possible that too much air got into the system at some point and is creating this situation. If you can get everything to a temperature that would allow you to completely bleed the system and start from scratch, this is likely the best way to go.

expert reply by: Erik B