BD Exhaust Brake Just Stopped Working

[desert_thunder]

My BD Exhaust just stopped working, can someone help diagnose the problem? With the toggle switch on I get voltage to the (spool valve?) and voltage out of the (spool valve?).













97, 2500, 4x4, SLT, 3. 54, 12v, X Cab, TST # 10 plate, PDR 3k Gov. Sp, AFe Magnum Force, BD torque converter. BD valve body, BD ex brake, Mag-H DD pan, KDP Replaced, Banks Stinger Plus System, Gauges (EGT, Boost, & Trans Temp), 3. 5” exhaust.

 

[Got Smoke?]

contact either BD or Steve St. Laurent on here

 

[Ted Constantine]

Is it cold there? I don't know CA geography very well. The only time my brake has stopped working it was moisture freezing in the vacuum solinoid. i called BD and they told me that is the most likely problem and that there is a manual activator button on the solinoid. one push of the button and everything was back to normal. the button was right on the front side of the solinoid that is mounted one the intake horn bolt. it is easy to not notice that it is a button.

HTH
Ted

 

[Bigsaint]

The last time I was at Auto Wurks, Chris T. pulled the spool valve on my truck and showed me how to clean it ( good write up in a past TDR issue as well). Mine was pretty cruddy after 1. 5 years of service. I'd try that first, it's probably the culprit. I plan on removing and cleaning mine at least once per season (preferably when warm outside ) from now on.



Scott W.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Check the vacuum source. Mine is set up with a tee and has come apart once.

 

[John]

I'm betting on a dirty spool valve.



Remember, if you wash your engine compartment...



adequately cover the spool valve, paying particular attention to the area of the small bronze filter breather. If water is admitted into the spool valve, corrosion will ensue.

 

[Ted Constantine]

Can anyone further explain the spool valve cleaning and what is involved? I have not seen the article that scott mentioned. I often feel as though my brake just is not completely engaging. I have been wondering if there was any cleaning to be done.
Ted

 

[Andy Redmond]

Do you have a fax number? I'll send you the cleaning instructions and diagrams.



BD might have it on their web site too.



Good luck

Andy

 

[Bigsaint]

Issue 32, page 106. If you don't have that issue, I could photo copy and mail/fax also. I could also scan/email the 2 pages if you would like.



Scott W.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

I bet it is all the rain we just had DesertDiesel.

 

[desert_thunder]

Yes, it was the spool valve. I called BD, and they told me to take apart the vacuum control valve and apply light oil to the spool valve. It worked like a charm.







97, 2500, 4x4, SLT, 3. 54, 12v, X Cab, TST # 10 plate, PDR 3k Gov. Sp, AFe Magnum Force, BD torque converter. BD valve body, BD ex brake, Mag-pan, KDP Replaced, Banks Stinger Plus System, Gauges (EGT, Boost, & Trans Temp), 3. 5” exhaust.

 

[CoreyPerez]

Just a quick question, will this cause a brake to work at a lower ability because of this? It seems like my brake isn't working at the ability it had when I first started using it. My brake doesn't seem as loud when outside the vehicle either. I've noticed that I'm using the service brakes quite a bit more when braking.



Thanks,



Corey

 

[Ted Constantine]

Corey I have not done the clean out yet but that is what i am hoping as i am seeing the same lower function that you are. I hope to get to it soon with the weather improving. I have also found that the down pipe off by brake has been lossening over time and I have better brake performance and more noise at the tail with it tightened up.

Ted

 

[CoreyPerez]

Ted,



I've got some work on my project vehicle that I'm doing in the morning, but after that, I'm on the Ram. Thanks for the suggestion about the down pipe, and I'll let you know what I find. Its my understanding that you just take apart the valve assembly and spray brake parts cleaner in it??? That and flush out the Vac. Lines??



Corey

 

[Ted Constantine]

yeah people have said that the vacuum lines are an easy fix. Andy Redmond faxed me cleaning instrutions a couple months ago. The cleaning portion reads
-soak spool and sleeve in a non-abrasive cleaner (varsol)
-once clean use a lint free cloth to remove any remaining cleaning solution
-inspect spool and sleeve for any damage
-spool should move freely in the sleeve

I believe that the full vacuum valve cleaning instructions #1230100 are on the BD web site but I ahve never looked. It does not look like an overly difficult proceedure.

Ted