The "what" and "where" of Calibration Fluid (MFI)?

[kenikh]

What is this mystery fluid:

Calibration fluid (eg. Bosch # 5 701 301 725 or equivalent)

It is for use in MFI pump storage/maintenance, per the MFI thread on this BBS:

Storage — pumps which have been removed for the car should be flushed and sealed prior to storage. Kerosene is suitable for flushing out the pump and regulator housing. Pour in through the fuel and oil inlets while rotating the drive shaft (cam) clockwise and turning upside down. You may also remove the side cover and governor cover to add more kerosene. Wipe down housing with a clean lint-free cloth when finished. The pump and governor must now be treated with calibration fluid in order to preserve the delicate internal parts. Calibration fluid (eg. Bosch # 5 701 301 725 or equivalent) is only available from specialist fuel injection shops and is expensive. About 1/2 litre should be sufficient. Repeat the sequence as per the kerosene cleaning and drain well. Replace all covers and ensure a coating of calibration fluid remains on the outer casing as well. All hose and fuel line vents should be plugged (plugs available from fuel injection shops) and the pump stored in a sealed plastic bag in a moist free environment at room temperature. Quarterly inspection and clockwise rotation of the drive shaft cam is advisable.

[jstobo]

I always heard that Marvel Mystery Oil was a good replacement. You could probably use transmission fluid too. You just need something lwith a low viscosity too keep moisture out. Good Luck.

[kenikh]

I heard from Monty at Redmond European, that he uses ATF. I just didn't know if calibration fluid was something special.

[RickM]

You may want to send Lubemaster a PM. This right up his alley.

Here's a tidbit from an oil co....

"Calibrating fluids are simulated fuels with properties similar to diesel fuel and/or gasoline. These specially developed fluids are not only safer to use, but are formulated to meet tighter, more demanding specifications required in the manufacturing processes used by the fuel system component manufacturers when building fuel pumps, fuel injectors and fuel, air and oil filters.

VISCOR Calibrating Fluids are more suitable than commercially refined fuels for use in manufacturing processes due to the following:

Precisely controlled Viscosity and Specific Gravity specifications
Higher, safer Flash Points
Lower aromatic hydrocarbon content"

[Zeke]

I'm going to speculate. "Calibration" fluid won't evaporate and leave a varnish residue, only a very light protective layer of preservative oil.

EDIT: A quick Google turns up that most calibration fluids are for just that, calibration of instruments that use oil. In diesel engine work and testing, apparently it is a way to test volume, etc. safely without the use of actual fuel. So, the weight (in chemical terms) is the same, but the properties are not. There are different types of "calibration fluid."

[svandamme]

transmission fluid in an mfi pump??? it better not be swepco, or it will stick everything shut, that stuff is nasty!

[kenikh]

Anybody have a clue where to buy the stuff? I am going to recondition my MFI pump and this stuff seems to be the ticket...

[RickM]

PM Lubemaster....

[M.D. Holloway]

It is most likely an R&O mineral oil, low viscosity (maybe a 10W) is my first guess. R&O stand for rust and oxidation inhibited. Not really the best for service but will act like a nice protectant. I will look into it further and get back to you. In the mean time, I may have a product that would work great for you. It is a flushing oil that many folks have been using to fill new gearboxes and pumps when put in strorage. If you would like, I will send you some gratas. PM me your shipping address.

[mackskibum]

What you are looking for is the calibration/test fluid that is used in a diesel fuel injection pump when tested. There are several manufacturers, and any of them will work. The MFI pump on the 911 engine is an adaptation of a Robert Bosch diesel injection pump, and the governor assembly is similar as well. The test oil is non varnishing and will not cause problems in extended storage.

Go to http://www.diesel.org/dealer/us.html

click on your state, you should be able to find a facility near you that can help.

[jstobo]

STIJN,
I meant Automatic transmission fluid. Ever here of it? You know not all cars have manual transmissions.

[M.D. Holloway]

Here is something I found. This may help you out.