Exhaust brake troubles

[Rosenberry]

Hi got an 02' 6spd with the jacobs exhaust brake. I just lost all use. The, exuse my terminology but the plunger is easily moveable not jammed. And I checked all wiring and connections. all seems well. i even have power to my toggle switch everything is good it just wont activate so is it the solenoid thats dead or is there a way to check and see if it has to do with the throttle position. And if any of you think that it is the solenoid where can i get the part i tried calling jacobs direct but i keep getting a message machine and no one returns my calls. Maybe i have the wrong number. Thanks for any help i dont know what to do. Hope somebody can lead me to something or maybe where to get parts but the whole thing cant be shot right? Is there a way to bypass the solenoid just to determine if that is it. Thanks again.

 

[McCRam]

Is the jacobs for the 02 vacuum actuated? If so I would look for a vacuum leak first. I would pull each connection and feel for suction.

To answer your question, I don't see why you couldn't hook the brake up directly. It won't hurt anything, but your brake should turn on when the motor is started and stay on.

 

[ScottLewis]

I couldn't find info for '02 models but the Jacobs web site gives pretty detailed troubleshooting info.



Rather than me trying to repeat what's there, try the following site:



http://www.jakebrake.com/service/pdf2/32414 E2_Screen.pdf



Check page 24.



Dan

 

[petersonj]

I have an '02 with the six-speed with a Pac Brake exhaust brake. Mine uses a vacuum operated solenoid valve. It probably operates very similar to yours. Look at the your solenoid valve - there should be a manual means to push the valve spool and override the electrical actuation. You will have to use something small, like the tip of a small srewdriver. With the engine running, push on the valve spool. The valve spool should return to the original position when you release it. If the exhaust brake works when you do this, then you have an electrical problem. If it does not work and it doesn't feel like the valve spool moves, then it is stuck in one position. It will have to be removed, disassembled and cleaned - not a hard task.



If the valve spool moves freely, and the exhaust brake still doesn't work, then you probably have leak at any of the hose connections, or the piston seal in the actuator cylinder is bypassing, or you have lost your source of vacuum. Good luck.