stuck closed exhaust brake

[dewdo]

I had my exhaust brake stick shut a couple days ago and was wondering if anyone else has expierenced that problem. It created a lot of problems for me in that I was out in the boondocks, and didn't have the slightest idea what had happened. Just lost power and encountered a towering cumulous of black smoke. Had to stop by a diesel injection shop in Milton Freewater, Or. who managed to solve the problem by removing the brake.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[Steve Campbell]

Dewdo, I have heard that the best preventive medicine for the exhaust brakes is frequent use. B-D probably has a fix, but a good de-carbonising and subsequent lube with never/anti sieze should have you back in business soon. We used to use a product called shutterstat fluid that would (if you could find it) free up the vacuum cyl. Hope that helps some.

 

[dewdo]

Thanks Steve for the reply:

The problem wasn't with the vacuum operated part, but with the butterfly gate itself. When it was removed, it had to be pried open. The shaft bearings or bushings were worn to the point that it allowed the valve to stick shut. I guess I will be contacting the manufacturere today.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[merryman]

Dewdo,

When I had my Pac brake on my '93, it would stick either closed or , would not close about every 6 mo. or so. In each case it was a blocked air way in the valving. On that model there were two air valves that directed the air pressure to close and open. Can't recall all specifics now, but after a few times, I learned to just take the valve off and when I got home clean it good and it was good for several more months.



Vaughn

 

[Ron Bissett]

Dewdo when the brake is on eng sounds like its twice the size it is when off just normal shake rattle sound . clean as stated in other post valve spool and filter if like Pac-brake looks like brass with holes in it . washing eng or off road use will some times do the deed . If valve in brake sticks work by pushing or pulling the linkage you may need to use a pair of plyers but it should then free up . Use of brake every day will keep it working . woks on vacuum no air in system except to brake vacuum if filter clogs air can not enter system and will stick on position . cover when washing eng , just some thoughts . Ron in Louisville ky

 

[dewdo]

I think I had a unique failure in that the bushings on the butterfly valve shaft failed just when I kicked it in. I had a shop in Milton Freewater, Or. take it off since he could not get it to open while still attached to the exhaust. After he got it off and on his work bench he still had to pry it apart. I guess it got so hot it welded it shut.



I have it in the box and taking it back up to BD in Abbotsford, B. C. next Tuesday. I don't know how long the warranty is. I heard someone say two years. I have had it on the truck for 2 years and one month. I guess they timed their warranty period just right.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[Dak - BD Power]

dewdo, I'm sorry to here of your exhaust brake troubles and would agree to the other posts on this subject that if you could operate the brake once a day, by simply turning it on and off, then the butterfly should stay free for an indefinate time.



The inheritant problem with all exhaust brakes is carbon build up and as you know diesels can sure pound out the soot when they get ornery so if you can keep operating it every day the soot should not build up as much.



As to your problem, we will see whats up when the brake gets to BD and see what actually failed.



But, fear not good sir, because as in life, there is always the possibility of "extenuating circumstances" and we at BD do NOT adhere to a strict written 'rule of law' where warranty applies. BD is in the exhaust brake business because we know brakes and have been a leader in the exhaust brake manufacturing and development for many years.



I look forward to seeing you next week and I'm confident that BD and yourself will come up with a mutually benefitial conclusion to this matter.





Vic Daku

BD Engine Brake Inc

Warranty / Product Support





PS: We Canadians also feel compelled to voice our disgust with the unthinkable and despicable acts of Sept 11 and feel that the attacks on the US were in fact an attack on NORTH AMERICA and our way of life... . GOD BLESS AMERICA and all the souls affected by the terrorist cancer that has infected the world.



PPS: Sorry about the long post, not bad for a guy who failed Grade 10 english 3 years in a row

 

[dewdo]

Dak:

I used the exhaust brake just about on a continious basis, so I dont think lack of use was the problem. Anyway thanks for the reply. I think it stuck and I didn't notice it until After I made the long descent down Deadmans pass East of Pendleton, OR. and by the time I got to the bottom it had heated up quiet badly and caused the bushings on the butterfly shaft to fail.



Hope to see you Tuesday sometime in the AM.



Dewdo in the other Washington.

 

[Bob Wagner]

TTT

did you make to Abbotsford?