PAC Brake has a mind of it's own!!!

[DZinger]

I have a PAC Brake on my truck that started acting up about two weeks ago - it would not work when the temp dropped below freezing. I thought that I had water in the system that was freezing up as I discovered my installer did not put a drain-cock in the air tank. I drained the water from the tank and installed a drain and blew out the lines but there was no change. Two days ago, it worked on and off above freezing and now, it isn't working at all. Anyone have any suggestions for what to check?



I intend to remove all the lines this week and make sure they are all clear and double check the wiring connections at the ECM...



Thanks,

Don

 

[Pacbrake]

check and make sure the ecm is putting out it's ground signal, if it is try relocating the pressure switch mounted on the air tank to the engine bay or on the actual compressor. Chances are it is your pressure switch freezing. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

 

[DZinger]

I think I may have a bad compressor. After warm temps last week and my garage is at 45 degrees all the time. This morning I bypassed my pressure switch to see what was up and that is when I noticed the compressor making odd noise. It sounds as if the electric motor is running, but the compressor portion is not... I had not noticed this noise before as the engine was always running. Will it hurt or void my warranty to apply 12V to the compressor to test it? We are supposed to get snowed in tomorrow morning, so I will have time to troubleshoot further this weekend.



Thanks again!

 

[Pacbrake]

nope it won't hurt your warranty at all, pop the air line off and apply a direct 12v to the compressor let me know if it's pumping air or not, if I have to I'll get you out a replacement. my direct number is 1-800-663-0096 ext 228



Harold

 

[DZinger]

OK - motor is spinning, but something in the compressor side went bad wrong. No movement or sound from it and the small fitting that connects to the 1/4" line going to the inlet filter is broken off.



Before I go any further - thank you for the timely responses and the help. I miss my brake!

 

[Pacbrake]

I'm going to be out of the office tomorrow, so If you can call me today with The last 8 of your vin, the mileage, and a shipping address I can get a replacement out for you otherwise it will have to be monday.



Harold

 

[DZinger]

Harold,



Do you have a private email address? I received and installed the compressor, but have another question for you.



Thanks!

Don (flyflingingfool@gmail.com)

 

[SWCook]

nope it won't hurt your warranty at all, pop the air line off and apply a direct 12v to the compressor let me know if it's pumping air or not, if I have to I'll get you out a replacement. my direct number is 1-800-663-0096 ext 228



Harold

That is an example of great service right there, until now I was on the fence trying to decide which brake to go with, look for a new customer the first of next week from Georgia and I will be looking to purchase a brake for my 97 auto.

 

[Pacbrake]

Sw if you have any quetions free free to contact me anytime, I'm here to help.

Harold

 

[JRBurton]

Mine does the same thing, when temps drop below freezing it does not work until the engine is warm for about 15 minutes. I just figured something was freezing up and when it gets warm it'l work again. Its kinda sad when you pay as much as you do for after market add ons things should work flawlessly. sometimes it gets stuck closed but mostly opened. Doesn't seem to have the braking power it once did.



John

 

[SWCook]

Sw if you have any quetions free free to contact me anytime, I'm here to help.

Harold

Thanks Harold I appreciate the offer and will most definitely take you up on that.

 

[DZinger]

SW - before I bought mine, I read several threads that always ended up with quick responses and unrivaled customer service - that sealed the deal for me. Unfortunately, I had to utilize that customer service and I was definitely not let down. I had the new compressor within days (it was the holidays as well).



Harold - how do I send the old core to you? There wasn't a return label. Also, I took your advise and moved the pressure switch. Currently, I am in Saint Louis for a couple weeks, so when I pick up the truck after it sits, I will know whether or not I will need to replace it. It worked flawlessly up till I parked it, so we'll see if it is cured... Thanks!!!

 

[Pacbrake]

Mine does the same thing, when temps drop below freezing it does not work until the engine is warm for about 15 minutes. I just figured something was freezing up and when it gets warm it'l work again. Its kinda sad when you pay as much as you do for after market add ons things should work flawlessly. sometimes it gets stuck closed but mostly opened. Doesn't seem to have the braking power it once did.



John

John I'm quite sure your pressure switch mounted on the tank under the vehicle is freezing, try relocating it to the engine bay and look of any signs of an air leak and exhaust leak as this will make the brake feel like its not holding as strong.



Harold

 

[Pacbrake]

Harold,



Do you have a private email address? I received and installed the compressor, but have another question for you.



Thanks!

Don (flyflingingfool@gmail.com)

Don you can e-mail me at -- email address removed --

 

[JRBurton]

Thanks Harold for the information I'll try that just as soon as the weather warms up enough to lay under my truck.



John

 

[CTRice]

Hey D. Zinger, Did you install your Pacbrake yourself?? I have an 06 5. 9. I am planning a trip to Yellowstone with my fiver soon, and would feel safer with an exhaust brake. If you did the work, it would be great to talk to you about it as I am contemplating a self install. If not, please tell us who did the installation. In any event, It would be interesting to see your installation sometime. I live near Richmond, MI so we are almost neighbors.



Thanks, Chuck

 

[cumminsfhama89]

That is an example of great service right there, until now I was on the fence trying to decide which brake to go with, look for a new customer the first of next week from Georgia and I will be looking to purchase a brake for my 97 auto.

hey if you end up gettin a pac brake let me know how it goes on that truck, i always wanted one! and pics of install etc

 

[icman95]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but



cumminsfhama89,



Welcome, neighbor. Nice to see someone from the next town over.

 

[DZinger]

I will tell you that after reading other's threads concerning PacBrake customer support and after having the product myself (very satisfied) and especially now after the great support and speedy resolution Harold provided, his is the only exhaust brake I can recommend without reservation.

 

[DZinger]

Chuck - I actually had a high school buddy install it for me while I was still in Iraq. Pisses me off to pay anyone to do any work I can do, but I needed it ready to tow the day after I returned, so... but I can tell you that I read extensively on the install and it looks to be very straight forward for anyone with a little shade tree in them...