Questions about new BD exhaust brake

[Bob Stephens]

Just had new BD exhaust brake installed last week and have a couple of questions.

1) The manual says "The backpressure at idle is required to be checked and adjusted at time of installed, two weeks after installed, and on a regular twice a year interval. " Everyone do this? How do the DIY guys do this? What guage do you use?
I'm going to call the installer on Monday to see why they did not mention it but I wanted the opinion of those with experience before I called.

2) Where does a backpressure guage install? There is a tapped fitting on the brake that we used to install Pyro since I only watch for cool down with unbombed truck. Can the backpressure guage be used for the twice annual back pressure check?

3) Under Maintenance and Troubleshooting, BD recommends replacing the vacuum hoses to the Control Valve every 12 to 24 months. Your views on this?

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2001. 5 White 3500 Quad Cab 4x4 Sport SLT+, ETH/DEE, 4. 10 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Line-X, Tekonshsa Sentinel Brake Controller, ICOM 706MkIIG HF Radio, Guages, 15. 5 Pullrite Hitch, DEE-ZEE FX Running Boards, and BD Exhaust Brake. 2001 Alpenlite 35RK fiver arrives next week! Ham Call: AF9W/7

 

[Mick2500]

Hi Bob,
Yes, I did check and adjust mine. Once at install (it was a little high at 30psi) and then again about 500 miles later (high again)and I lowered it to 25psi I think that's the idle spec.
I have TWO tapped bosses on my BD brake, one for the pyro probe and one for my pressure gauge. I don't leave the gauge in there permanently.

Mick2500
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2001. 5 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 4X4, SB, LSD, 3. 54, SLT+, Sport, Intense Blue PC/Agate, Tow Package, Camper Package, 'DC' Bed Cover, Sliding rear window. Totally STOCK!!
On Order 4/28/00
Arrived 9/14/00 !! #ad

My Truck

[This message has been edited by Mick2500 (edited 04-14-2001). ]

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Idle spec for backpressure is 21-22 lbs, but can be higher if you run the truck empty all the time. The 1/8" NPT port is used for checking the backpressure, but you will need to buy a pressure gauge. They are pretty cheap at any auto parts store. Be sure to get the right fittings and such to make it work ok. If you decide to run a backpressure gauge all the time, you'll need to run a couple of feet of copper line, then attach the standard plastic line that goes to the gauge. Call BD, they'll be glad to answer any questions for you.

 

[John]

BD: 1-800-887-5030

 

[Bob Stephens]

Ok, I reread the book that came with the brake and looked at the brake itself. I found the pressure check point. I'll contact BD and find out how to adjust the pressure since it's not covered in the book I got. Sounds like I'll just get a pressure guage and check the brake pressure as part of regular maintenance.

 

[TowPro]

If I am not mistaking, I think you will find the same gauge and fitting you use to check your lift pump will work.

You do check your lift pump every oil change don't you?

 

[John]

You can also use the boost gauge in your Ram to check the idle pressure setting (setting per Evan's post).