Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) B D exhaust brake sometimes sticks shut ?

[Turbo Terry]

1999 2500 with DDT built automatic with 3 RD gear lock up Sometimes when it's hot outside and I'm pulling hard and hauling heavy my exhaust brake will stick shut. I have to stop and let it cool down etc So for it has always opened again but I'm concerned about the day it doesn't unstick and I'm stranded what to do. Anybody have any ideas on this ?

 

[ScottLewis]

I'm not sure if your BD brake is the same as the one on my '98 but assuming it is, the first thing to do would be to disassemble and clean the spool valve that controls vacuum flow to the brake. Have you tried pulling a hose when the brake locks up? If it is the spool valve that should immediately release the brake.

 

[BD-Hector]

Clean you vacuum solenoid first, if that does not do it give us a call and we can walk you through a few other checks.

 

[KATOOM]

Making sure its not the vacuum solenoid is first..... But just making sure its understood that exhaust brakes should be used ALL THE TIME. At least once per drive. This lowers the chance of carbon building up around the butterfly valve, which can cause sticking.

 

[Turbo Terry]

So how do I clean the vacuum solenoid. I do use it all the time. I think my vacuum solenoid is mounted by where the dipstick goes down to the block ???

 

[Turbo Terry]

At any rate I will be touching bases with Hector on this. I don't follow the tdr forum like I used. Thanks for the help. Much appreciated

 

[KATOOM]

You can take apart the solenoid and clean it out. Hit the valve with something abrasive too so you can clean off any debris. Just DONT grease or lubricate it.