Banks Cbc Module Exhaust Brake Power Source Question

[MARSHMELLOWS]

IN A PINCH TO COMPLETE BRAKE INSTALL FOR 2000 MILE TRIP STARTING 0300 HOURS ON 12/26 THROUGH 1/1/03







BANKS EXHAUST BRAKE Installation step 34 (on 1999-2002 vehicle) says to "... use red wire located in wiring harness in the engine compartment as shown in FIGURE 10... " And FIGURE 10 clearly states, ("ON RED WIRE WITH NO STRIPE") The word "NO" was emphasized .



However, there is NO SOLID RED WIRE in that bundle. All the red wires have stripes on them (either green or white). Help. I also posted this in the "911" secxtion

Thanks, Jim

 

[Chipstien]

Try Bill K. He installs Pac. but I would think that all E. brakes install similarly.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Does it say what this red wire is for?



I'd try the Banks tech line... I have not yet installed any of the Banks Brake systems with a CBC (computerized brake controller) before. The CBC for the Dodge must be brand spankin' new, as we haven't even gotten one at the shop yet--and we're a Banks Master Dealer/Distributor. Will look into it more on Thursday...



For those who do not know, the Banks CBC is far different than any of the other exhaust brake system. It uses inputs like throttle position (idle validation) and coolant temperature... I have installed plenty of them on PSDs and Duramaxes, and they work great. On the Ford & GM trucks, when you start up the truck cold, the brake will come on automatically and act as a warm up device. When the coolant reaches 125°F, the brake turns off and will work just like any other retarding system. If the truck has an auto trans, the brake will turn off when the speed drops below 15 mph. Another bonus about the CBC: there is no microswitch or ECM interface... That is, no annoying 'click' or 2 second delay like with the other brakes. I am sure the CBC works the same on the Dodges... I can't think of any reason it would be different...



I have been itching to install a CBC system on a Dodge... Let us know how it works for you!

 

[MARSHMELLOWS]

BANKS CBC (COMPUTER BRAKE CONTROLLER)

I'm very impressed with the BANKS CBC operation. The automatic WARM UP feature is very cool. The overall operation and ease of installation was supreme. BANKS has stepped up to the plate, and made another outstanding product improvement. BRAVO...



My original "911" post regarding the "RED WIRE" should clearly identify I'M NOT A REAL MECHANIC. Gee, I figured that "RED WIRE" out all by my lonesome, even on December 25th, with nobody to hold my hand from the Banks 1 (800) tech line... . My need to deliver my wife's 1985 MBZ to central California for repairs was critical to a few available days of my work break during the holidays, so I became the "wrench turner" on my exhaust brake install. It was a little scary to cut off the existing (new) stock exhaust and stock turbo elbow off of my truck (with less than 6000 miles on it). I make this point to comfort others who are afraid to attempt a BANKS exhaust brake install. IT WAS REAL EASY !!!! It caused me less stress than removing the first oil filter from my 02' after the first 1500 miles. The exhaust brake install was "probably easier" because I also installed the 4" S/S Monster Exhaust at the same time. It seemed reasonable to do them both at the same time. I figured one delivery from UPS was easier to explain than two. Both systems work flawlessly. No DRONING OR ANY COMPLAINTS WHATSOEVER. The Banks installation directions are clear, and easy to follow. A simple post-install operational testing check (outlined in the "functional test" section) set my mind at ease that everything was working swell. After a 15 minute test drive, I hooked up my car trailer and drove the 2000 + mile round trip to California. I'm overly careful about "removal and replacements" but I felt my choice of product(s) was as good as I could possibly make. Through the mountains of Oregon/Calif on Interstate 5 it worked better than I hoped. I watched the other trucks with trailers ride their brakes, most of the way down the steep grades. Just like in the Movies, everything worked out great. Man, the BANKS 4" exhaust brake and 4" Monster Exhaust really sounds cool too!!! This is another reason I chose the BANKS exhaust brake,... no adjustment are required upon installation or during usage. That's a plus for me. I really wouldn't know what to adjust, or when to adjust it anyway !?! The CBC cycles the exhaust brake during each and every warm up too. This will help it keep clean (from those of you who won't operate your exhaust brake as much as I do).



The visible flow comparison of the restrictive stock elbow and the improved flow of the BANKS 4" exhaust brake (elbow) is impressive. Anybody who has removed the stock elbow and examined it, knows exactly what I'm talking about. Visibally, the stock elbow is very restrictive. The BANKS exhaust brake (elbow) flows so much better (SUPERIOR). The difference is, NIGHT AND DAY. The immediate performance response improvement at the lower RPM's (between 0800 and 1600) after installation of the Banks 4" exhaust brake (elbow) is magic. I normally roll out of my driveway in first gear and shift into 2nd as I gradually climb a small hill. Before the BANKS improvements, I had to run the RPM's up a bit higher than I liked on a "somewhat cold" engine to avoid (what I consider) lugging it in second gear. Now it pulls a whole lot better at lower RPM's and is more responsive when I shift up to the next gear. The flat response at turbine spool up has been greatly reduced. THIS IS MORE THAN A "MENTAL THING" IT'S REAL !!! I'm sure the 4' S/S Monster Exhaust helps too.



The CBC eliminates the fuel pedal activated microswitch. Think how many times you touch your fuel pedal every time you drive your stick shift Cummins. Now compare it to a turnstyle gate that counts visitors at Disneyland. It's easy to see, elimination of the microswitch was a good thing. One less mechanical thing to get out of adjustment, etc. . I chose to mount a pull/push switch on my gearshift lever, rather than the installation of a switch on the dashboard per the BANKS installation manual. I really like how the CBC comes on "INSTAMATICALLY. " THERE IS NO "LENGTHY DELAY. "



To make my choice, I reviewed the top 4 exhaust brake mfgs. and read a whole lot of TDR posts too. I even visited a shop or two to review what they installed. I rode in several Cummins stick shift trucks with the various mfg. exhaust brakes installed. My personality requires me to really research and "IMAGINEER" things before I commit to them. The BANKS 4" exhaust brake and matching 4" Monster exhaust fits my needs perfectly. And if you really think about it, what else do each of us get in life but a few opportunities to make a choice. For my application, I'm sure I made the right choice. If anyone requests additional info regarding my experience, please feel free to private post me.



Man, after looking back over this, I need to drink less coffee or somethin'... Sorry for the long verbage... ... ... ... ... .



DISCLAIMER- I'm not associated, related or representing BANKS in any way whatsoever. My relationship is only through the aforementioned products I purchased as a retail customer (only). The opinion(s) expressed above are my own and are posted for the pupose of sharing product experience/knowledge.

Jim

 

[darkhorse]

I just read your glowing report on the Banks Brake. That's a lot of encouraging words for me as I have just ordered the same brake exhaust set up. I hope I like mine as much as you do your. What are your feeling now that you have some miles on it?

Richard