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Exhaust brake question

Yahoo Message Number: 68708
1996 Cummins C6 300 HP. Does the PacBrake have two stages? On the rocker switch, placing it in the center location there is an air leak on top of the brake which has a little ( i inch in diameter and about two inches long ) cylinder which blows air out the front. second stage it seem to be fine. Also , on my last trip the PacBrake worked intermediate. I am an automobile mechanic, but have no knowledge on PackBrakes. sure could use some help with this one. Thank you.
Dick

96 Intrigue 10203.

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68709
Biggest problem with not working is lack of lubrication. It simple hangs up. First step is to find the Pac Brake lube and lube it per instructions. Try truck shops in your area for the lube.

Leonard

97' Magna 5418

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68715
My 1998 300 hp Cat. had a pacbrake and it was a on or off (single stage). Later Cummins motors had their version of Jake Brake and they could be 2 or 3 stage.

Lowell

11725 04 Intrigue
36 ft. ISL 400

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68727
The folks at Pac Brake advised me that lack of exercise is also one of the reasons for early failure.....Hmmm sounds like my cardiologist's advice.
I agree with Leonard. My original Pac Brake froze so I replaced it with the new improved model. It was not too hard to install and the new version works much better than the original. I bought the official lube at the same time. But, my biggest problem with lubrication is that my arms are too short! The Pac Brake assembly is way forward on the engine. I have tried using a 30" grabbing tool but, it is very difficult to aim and squeeze at the same time without getting the lube all over the place.
Anyone have any tricks to getting that little squeeze bottle of high temperature Pac Brake lube up into the spots that need it without taking off the under-bed engine cover?

Daron Hairabedian, 98 Allure 30226

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68734
Daron, you need a awful long neck and arm to reach Pac brake from under bed. Only way I can try to lube Pac is to "shoot"? lube of some type from areosal can from rear engine hatch and then not sure of type of lube but the small plastic bottle of lube from PB is impossible for me. My flapper on the brake does not work for me x 3 yrs unless I turn rocker switch to off manually after done braking. Jim Veen, '96 Intrigue 36 ft #10299.

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68736
Hi Jim,

Yes! It was quite a stretch for me when I replaced my old style with the new one. It took about two hours hanging upside down in the engine compartment. I was alone on this job but, another pair of hands would not have helped anyway.
Pack Brake tech advised me to use their lube or any other high temperature synthetic lube. They said the exhaust heat would vaporize ordinary lubes. I have not found an aerosol high temp synthetic. What is the brand and type of lube that you use? Daron Hairabedian 98 Allure 30226

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68744
Back in the days when vendors conducted seminars at CC rallies, a representative from the PacBrake mfgr. said to use Super Lube to lubricate the valve- I think it's a butterfly valve-but I've forgotten what interval was specified. My can of Super Lube has the names "Permatex" and "Locktite" on it. I got it at an auto parts store. This information is years old and may not be the best advice today, but it did work for me for a long time.
Jim Biestek

'04 Intrigue (formerly '98 Magna)

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68763
I phoned Pacbrake (1.800.663.0096) today and talked with Craig, one of their cust service techs. Leonard, Jim V. and Jim B. are all right. Craig encouraged me to broadcast this info. to our forum. He said that the biggest culprit is carbon build-up that can cause the shaft and piston to seize when the brake sits inactive for several months. It must be lubed after storage before use. He said the pivots and other working parts need lube but the most important lube point is the cylinder shaft and piston.
Regarding the lubricant: Craig said that the lubricant that Pacbrake packages in a squeeze bottle for resale is "Super Lube" supplied Synco Chemical Corp.. Permatex is a popular trade marketing co. that offers "Super Lube". Pacbrake does not offer the lube in an aerosol spray can.
I called Synco (1.800.253.5823) and spoke with Brenda in customer service. She was familiar with the application to the Pacbrake. She recommended "Super Lube" Synthetic Multi Purpose Aerosol. It is available in 6 Oz, part no 31040 or 11 Oz, part no. 31110 spray cans. She said that this lube is formulated with "Syncolon" which is a proprietary type of PTFE (Teflon) product. She said it is readily available but may also be purchased on line at www..super-lube.com. She warned not to use the "Super Lube" dry spray as it does not have the penetration qualities required for our application.
Regarding application: She agreed that a rigid extension attached over the short extension tube supplied with the can would work. When I find the right extension tube I will advise the forum. My initial thought is copper capillary tubing used in the refrigeration business but, I have never tried to use it this way. It may be configured to fit into the tight spaces. Any other suggestions out there would be welcome.

Daron Hairabedian 98 Allue 30026

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68781
Quote from: daronha@\.\.\.
> The folks at Pac Brake advised me that lack of exercise is also one of the reasons for early failure.....Hmmm sounds like my cardiologist's advice.
I agree with Leonard. My original Pac Brake froze so I replaced it with the new improved model. It was not too hard to install and the new version works much better than the original. I bought the official lube at the same time. But, my biggest problem with lubrication is that my arms are too short! The Pac Brake assembly is way forward on the engine. I have tried using a 30" grabbing tool but, it is very difficult to aim and squeeze at the same time without getting the lube all over the place.
> Anyone have any tricks to getting that little squeeze bottle of high temperature Pac Brake lube up into the spots that need it without taking off the under-bed engine cover? >

Daron Hairabedian, 98 Allure 30226 >

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68783
Dick,

I have used Tri-Flow as well. Works great on chains. Check the can and see if it will take the 700 to 800+ degree temps of the exhaust system. Tri-Flow is a good start but may let you down on the road when the exhaust gets hot enough to burn it off.

Leonard

97' Magna 5418

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68788
Quote from: Leonard Kerns
Dick,
> I have used Tri-Flow as well. Works great on chains. Check the can and see if it will take the 700 to 800+ degree temps of the exhaust system. Tri-Flow is a good start but may let you down on the road when the exhaust gets hot enough to burn it off.

Leonard

97' Magna 5418

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68789
Let us know how it works for you. Maybe a easy to get lube that will do the job. One thing tho, it leaves kind of a sticky base behind, not sure that is what you want on the cylinder rod. Let us know what you think of it after a trip.

Leonard

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68792
Exhaust Gas Temps routinely run in excess of 1000 degrees, sometimes in the 11 to 1200 range, 700 to 800 degree lube probably will not work.

Mikee

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68793
Think I'm wrong on this, thinking of a different product that I have used.

Leonard

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68794
There is a product we use on aircraft turbos that seems to work well. It is called Mouse Milk. It is fairly heap, and a little goes a long way. You may want ot consider it.

Mikee

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68795
Sorry for the typos. If you Google Mouse Milk it is readily available.

Mikee

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68796
Quote from: Leonard Kerns

> Think I'm wrong on this, thinking of a different product that I have used.

Leonard

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68808
What about this stuff?

Krytox® XHT lubricant

I Googled it and it seems really good for high temperatures.

Al Colby

2000 Intrigue 10979

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68809
Might work. I depend so much on my engine brake I ordered the PacBrake lube and use it. I know it works as per PacBrakes spec's. Without my PacBrake I would be in serious trouble in the mountain west as the coach brakes do not have much extras stopping power and can overheat quick.

Leonard Kerns
97' Magna 54318

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68858
New member here, great group from what I've seen so far! Will post a few q's shortly.
Anyways re Krytox, in the auto racing world Krytox is the best high temp synthetic grease around, it's used by many of the the pro teams to repack anything that can get hot.
Note that Krytox is VERY nasty stuff, do NOT let it get on your hands or skin, and use in a well ventilated area. It's also very expensive.
Almost as good, but easier to work with, is Neo, which is what I normally use, as do many others, but Krytox is what folks use if they want the absolute best.
Basically the grease will liquefy and run off if it gets too hot (ie. past the temperature rating), it'll stay solid if within, so as long as it hangs around it's fine. Some folks use Redline as it's easier to find than Neo or Krytox.

No specific experience using it on jake brakes.

Jim Walsh
2003 Lexa
 

Re: Exhaust brake question

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68925
Quote from: Leonard Kerns

> Might work. I depend so much on my engine brake I ordered the PacBrake lube and use it. I know it works as per PacBrakes spec's. Without my PacBrake I would be in serious trouble in the mountain west as the coach brakes do not have much extras stopping power and can overheat quick.

Leonard Kerns
97' Magna 54318