Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Setting exhaust back pressure

[Leewhiskey]

I am about ready to order a BD exhaust brake. I read the instructions and they say you need to set the pressure by adjusting the rod length. I think there is a fitting on the brake but what do you use to check it. I know there is a gauge kit but I don't want that right now. What can I use to measure this? I could find a pressure tester I am sure but what bothers me is that the exhaust will be hot and I do not know if the gauge would work with that. any help would be appreciated.



Chris

 

[MUDDY]

HAROLD BOWERS KITS

harold is making kits that let ya use your boost guage. your boost guage reads boost pressure when under boost and then reads exhaust backpressure when ya let up off the go-pedal when ya got your ex-brake on, automatically.



he is getting 25 bucks for this kit. his email is -- email address removed -- . his ph is 208 459-7849



as far as the exhaust being hot, by the time it goes through the copper tubing, then through the filter and the valving kit, then into the boost line to your guage, the air is cool enuff. harold tested this for a day or 2 driving around with it disconected to be sure of cool enuff temps. it actullly fels cool to the skin. also i mentioned the filter,,,,to keep any soot particles from possibly reaching the guage. Oo.

 

[jelag]

Chris



Are you sure that you need to adjust the BD Brake... . Most exhaust brakes come pre-adjusted..... at least the ones built by Jacobs and PacBrake do.....



This is an important adjustment and you can have severe valve damage if you don't understand and do this correctly.....



Might I suggest that you call them to verify that you need to make this adjustment yourself..... and if you feel uncomfortable making this adjustment, you consider one of the other brakes... .



If you desire more information on the ones that we carry just PM me for details.....

 

[TowPro]

I used the same gauge I use for testing fuel pressure. Its real easy. Just put on the gauge, turn on the brake see what it reads.



Mine did not need adjustment out of the box. Later I did turn it down a little as I was skidding my tires in the rain in lower gears.



Any gauge with a hose that fits in that 1/4" hole will work, as your not leaving it connected long enough to get it very hot.

Originally posted by Leewhiskey

I am about ready to order a BD exhaust brake. I read the instructions and they say you need to set the pressure by adjusting the rod length. I think there is a fitting on the brake but what do you use to check it. I know there is a gauge kit but I don't want that right now. What can I use to measure this? I could find a pressure tester I am sure but what bothers me is that the exhaust will be hot and I do not know if the gauge would work with that. any help would be appreciated.



Chris

 

[Sticks]

Exhaust back pressure

What is the maximum back pressure that the CTD's can handle safely. I just installed a US-Gear Super Duty in mine. The chart shows that the waste-gate on the brake housing opens up at 35psi. I have noticed that the brake unit will stay engaged until the RPMs drop to around 1100, even with it deactivated.



Sorry to but in on this one, but my curiosity is bordering on paranoia.

 

[jelag]

If you look at Carlton's chart the max retarding HP is recorded at about 60 psi if I'm not mistaken...



Maybe Carlton will give us the Jacob's standard..... but from what I've read the PacBrake is set to 60 psi...



Jim / Pacific Clutch / a PacBrake Distributor

 

[jmeehan]

After I installed and test drove my BD brake I bought a cheap pressure gauge at NAPA and hooked it to the test port on the brake assembly. My brake worked fine but it was 5 lbs. over the recommended setting, I forget what that is. I called BD and was told there is a chance of killing the engine with to much back pressure. So I adjusted it to spec. and pulled the gauge off. The brake works great, it's probably the best accessory I've installed, and I just screw in the test gauge once in a while to check the back pressure. It's needed to be adjusted once in about two years.

 

[TowPro]

Was'nt that number something like 20-25psi? I would guess that 20-25 at idle, is much more when your RPM's are up.

 

[jmeehan]

Originally posted by TowPro

Was'nt that number something like 20-25psi? I would guess that 20-25 at idle, is much more when your RPM's are up.

Yup, I had to dig out my instructions to look it up. Mine was factory set at 30 p. s. i. and I had to set it back.

 

[2-ND TIME]

back pressure

I was able to borrow one from work to test mine but used the clear hose wasn't much for temp rating but was fine was the dampened type of gauge. I had 20 Psi back pressure there is the nut to back off and adjust from there think that you need a ???? 8 MM or 5/16 or somthing small to adjust the rod length. I also used Copper Cote on everthing that I could get apart for removal in the future.

 

[CoreyPerez]

has anybody had any problems with the braking ability of the BD's after a bit of time? I've ran mine since last winter, and used it nearly every day to warm up the truck, but now the truck ins't at loud with the brake on, and I'm using the service brakes quite a bit more with the exhaust brake on. I have not checked the pressure yet, and hope to do that this weekend now that I have some time, but I was wondering if this was a common problem.



And will a tire pressure gauge work for checking the pressure?



Thanks,



Corey