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I wanted to strip some minis with brake fluid. Unfortunately the stuff is quiet expensive and have to cover a number of miniatures. I was wondering if it could be diluted with water to extend it further (or whether this would prevent it from working)? Wasn't sure whether it is acting as a solvent (I which case it's properties may be different when dliuted) or whether it is reacting with the paint (in which case I think would make much difference diluting it).

With most stripping techniques, the substance only weakens the paint, it doesn't remove it. Even if it did, the acrylic paint would either precipitate downward or float, at which time you could skim it off. Most of the stripping is done outside the substance with something like a toothbrush, which is where most of the paint is removed from the model in my experience.

So in theory, a single batch of brake fluid should last you a substantial time, since it won't dissolve the paint into a solution.

Brake fluid also absorbs water so it won't be quite as effective if you water it down. I'm not sure to what extent this would affect its paint stripping properties but I'd avoid it if you can.

As above, the fluid will work time and time again if you leave it undiluted so perhaps just strip in batches.

Make sure you do your scrubbing in a ventilated area and Wear gloves. Brake fluid is nasty stuff.

Water break down brakefluid on a chemical level, I would not recommend adding anything to it, it is a very reactive chemical.

Have you tried a car parts store brake fuild is normally pretty cheap from there as you can buy big bottles

Use something other than brake fluid, it's nasty and requires special disposal. High purity isopropyl alcohol might do the job, and is much cheaper.

Heavy degreasers also do the job in a pinch and can also be dumped down the drain. Stuff like Simple Green in the U.S, Fairy Power Degreaser in the U.K. I'm not sure what you've got in the UK if those two aren't available.

Thats a gd point also methlated spirits is very good

I used detail antiseptic to clean resin death korps. also used pinesol, which i found was less hassle because it is easier to clean with water after (dettol + paint + water can get goopy).

you can see some results in my last post at this thread:
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/705071.page

I've looked into this same issue after I did a crappy paint job using Testors on my original Dark Vengeance set. I use Purple Power Degreaser from Autozone. It works great. Attached are some models I just stripped and am repainting.

http://www.autozone.com/miscellaneous-cleaners-and-degreasers/cleaner-degreaser/purple-power-1-gal-cleaner-degreaser/40266_0_0?checkfit=true