Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) exhaust springs

[SBozeman]

I know this topic has been mentioned many times but I want to see if anyone has been able to get a straight answer. I'm finally getting around to installing an exhaust brake and trying to find out if I already have HD springs. Some say they are already in there, and say they are not. Cummins NW service and tech people seem to think that all 12V engines from 94 to 98 have the HD springs installed. They say there is a bulletin the indicates that "header group not required" for these model year trucks means that they have the HD springs installed. Has anyone with these model year trucks found that they did not have them installed. I have talked with four different cummins reps that are convinced they do. I am still waiting for one more call from the cummins factory. I realize I can just take a peak under the cover but thought you all might find this info interesting.

 

[Joe G.]

I think all 12 valve engines have the 35 lb springs. My '95 did. It's easy to check. Remove a valve cover. The 35 lb spring is straight. The 60 lb spring is slightly barrel shaped. Call Piers to check for sure.

 

[C Schomer]

My 97 doesn't. This is the first I've ever heard they are stock on any 12 valve in the Dodge. Craig

 

[gwagner]

the 24 valves all came with the 60# springs the 12 valve you got to change them up.

 

[BV]

My 96 had the weak springs installed and required 60#'ers to get full use of the EBrake.



I think someone at Cummins NW is confused with the 24v which do have them from the factory.

 

[SBozeman]

I received word back from the factory and you are all correct they have the weaker springs. I guess the guys at Cummins NW learned something today also. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Harold_U]

SBozeman;

I am doing the same thing to my '97 and you do not have to change the springs, you just will not get as much resistance with the exhaust brake on. I am going to try mine with the 35# springs to see how well it does with my trailer and then, if I need more, I will change the springs.

Harold

 

[bighammer]

If you install the springs, you can put the plug in the hole of the brake butterfly. With the weaker springs, you're supposed to leave the plug out.



The springs are not that hard to do, but I wouldn't want to get back into the brake to install the plug.

 

[SBozeman]

Harold_U:

What brand of exhaust brake are you installing? I am installing a BD brake and my understanding is that I can turn down the idle pressure to 15 psi for stock applications. Maybe I'll try that and see how it works and if I fell I need more I'll install the HD springs and turn up the idle pressure. I just got a little paranoid after reading some of the posts regarding engine damage that can occur with out the HD springs.

 

[JGheen]

Originally posted by Harold_U

SBozeman;

I am doing the same thing to my '97 and you do not have to change the springs, you just will not get as much resistance with the exhaust brake on. I am going to try mine with the 35# springs to see how well it does with my trailer and then, if I need more, I will change the springs.

Harold

I would not run the weaker springs with the E-brake, too much of a chance of breaking the 35#er's and causing unnecessary engine damage when it is that easy to install the heavier springs. They don't even cost that much and can be replaced in the driveway with the proper tools. Save yourself the heartache of destroying your engine and just get the HD springs.

 

[Joe G.]

The exhaust brake is a little different for the 35 lb springs. If you install one that does not have the extra hole in the butterfly then you have a good chance of bending a valve. I ran my Pacbrake for a lot of miles with the lighter sprigs with no trouble because it was designed for 35 lb springs. I finally upgraded the springs to the 60 lb ones and blocked the extra port in the butterfly to configure the brake for the 60 lb springs. Much better braking now. It was ok before, but not nearly as good as it is now.

 

[jtwcummins]

Change the springs and don't worry about it again. Even consider replacing all the valve springs w/60lb springs. Not that much money or more time to install. If you decide to do gov springs you will be good to go on any set. Valve float/broken spring can happen with the lighter unit. Just not worth NOT doing it.



Also, keeps the valve train more in balance to replace them all, not that big a deal on low rpm engine but the 'bombing bug' is out there.

 

[SBozeman]

Decision made! They are getting replaced next week. Thanks

 

[Harold_U]

Originally posted by SBozeman

Harold_U:

What brand of exhaust brake are you installing? I am installing a BD brake and my understanding is that I can turn down the idle pressure to 15 psi for stock applications. Maybe I'll try that and see how it works and if I fell I need more I'll install the HD springs and turn up the idle pressure. I just got a little paranoid after reading some of the posts regarding engine damage that can occur with out the HD springs.

I am installing a "PacBrake" & a "BD Torque Lock". It has the holes in the butterfly valve. I was told that it could be used with the light springs & a stock engine getting less braking preformance.

I do agree with the guys about possible problems if you are not careful when using the E-brake ie; light springs, steep grade, heavy load, bombed engine and no load braking. "BOOM"

You need to understand that the E-brake is only an additional assist for better down hill control, especially with the light springs, and not a complete replacement for the other brakes.

I am still interested in additional discussion and could still change my "mind" ( female quility I have ). The additional cost is somewhat of a determining factor.

Harold

 

[BV]

Originally posted by Harold_U

The additional cost is somewhat of a determining factor.

Harold

The springs are less then $10 each if you shop around so unless you go al out and buy new gaskets and orings for the covers - It's pretty inexpensive to change them out.

 

[SBozeman]

It's too big of a job for me. Cummins NW wants $435. 00 to change them out. I found another shop that will do it for $100. 00 less. Like Jay said, it's a lot less expensive than what it could cost if a valve floats or spring breaks.

 

[Deezul1]

My springs are stock and I have the BD brake set to the non heavy spring setting and it works fine and has for 2 years. I pull a 32' Airstream and went all the way down Wolf Creek pass to Pagosa springs with out using the foot brake at all. I think with a heavier trailer I would install the 60# springs for better E brake use but with the BD brake it does pretty well stock.