Bd Brake Problem

[RON'S RAM]

Has anyone had this problem with their BD Brake?? I installed the exhaust brake on my truck last month. The day after it was installed, the brake turned on while accelerating up an on ramp to the highway, with the power switch on. I turned the switch on & off, but the brake stayed on. I stopped the truck, checked the micro switch on the gas pedal (ok). I then unhooked the vacuum lines, swapped them, and the brake opened up (turned off). Reattached the lines to their original postion, and it's been fine, till this week. The same thing happened again, but this time it will not shutoff when the vacuum lines are put back on. I'm assuming the spool valve is stuck. I called BD Technical Dept. yesterday, told them of the problem, they agreed it's the spool valve. I know there was a good article in the TDR on cleaning these valves, but only being a few months old, I don't feel I should have to do this myself. BD told me they would ship out a new valve and bill my credit card. Once my valve was retuned to them and proven to be defective, they'd send me a refund. I've never had to pay for a warranty part with any other company. Is this how BD handles all of their warranty claims?? As you all know, these are not cheap items, and i hate the thought of spending more to get it working again. Should I try to solve this problem myself, or send them more of my hard earned money. Sorry so long.

 

[Heetseeker_1]

customer disservice

Ron,



I don't want to trash on BD, but my friend had the same problem with their policies. Too bad, too. I'm looking at engine brakes for my truck and i'm leaning toward pacbrake now.



Good luck!

 

[RON'S RAM]

Just had more brake problems today. I thought I had it working ok, but today, while cruising down the highway at 65mph the brake suddenly came on with the power switch off and would not turn off. I disconnected the vacuum lines, but it did not open up. I got it to open by reversing the lines, then disconnected them again. I thought that the brake was spring loaded and if it were to fail, it would fail in the open (off) position. Maybe there's a problem with the brake itself. ANY IDEAS??

 

[Missouri Mule]

Don't have exhuast brake, but could your switch be bad (on/off)or wires shorting against each other.

If you switched your vacuum lines around (assuming one vacuum line is to close, one to open) wouldn't that cause the brake to open if on/off switch/wiring/vacuum lines were messed up?

 

[RON'S RAM]

Thanks for the reply, Bill

With the vacuum lines disconnected from the brake, I believe the brake should open up(shutoff), but it didn't. The electrical wires only operate the spool valve that in turn sends vacuum to the brake. But I won't rule out any electrical problems until I thoroughly check it out. I won't have time this weekend. Thanks again, keep thinking. RON...

 

[ramman]

bd brake

I also had this problem this winter,had to pay for the replacement and then call back for my refund ,so far I've not had any more problems. Does your truck produce smoke with the brake on at higher rpms ,I only see it when a car headlights are behind me at night it doesn't seem right .

 

[RON'S RAM]

What ended up being your problem? Did you actually have to call BD to remind them of your refund? How long did you have to wait? My truck does smoke heavily when the brake turns on and it shouldn't be. Trying to keep up with 65mph. traffic and get over to the breakdown lane really makes her smoke.

 

[ramman]

bd brake

Mine would like yours stay on when turned off,Piers told me to mount it with the manual push button pointing down which I did on reinstallation and no problems as of yet,I think mine may have been freezing from moisture. About the smoke when the brake is in use,I'm not sure of why there shouldn't be but very little fuel present at that time as you have to be off the accelerator for it to activate but a quick glance in the mirror at night with lights behind, you would think that you were pouring the coal to it and I have no friends with one to compare to but it's been on the truck for over a year and I have no regrets and would not be with out it now. The refund did take a bit I think after the second statement came and no refund I called and got it resolved. Good luck By the way I don't know if you have an egt gauge but temperatures go EXTREME QUICK with any fueling and brake on. A two mile drive home with it stuck would get 1400 degrees just babying it so be carefull.

 

[RON'S RAM]

Thanks for the tip Ramman, I don't have an egt gauge yet, saving for one now. I was in the high speed lane, just drove long enough to get to the breakdown lane and disconnect it. Hopefully I'll have time to check it out this week.