I have a bd brake as my sig says. I'm not as impressed as I once was with its holding power. My question is how can I tell if I have hd valve springs or not. Since I didn't put the brake on myself (done prior to purchasing by previous owner). I don't know what it has under the valve covers and was wondering how to tell what hd springs would look like compared to stock springs. I know under valvers need them to give max holding power and was wondering if this might be the answer to my weak e brake.

 

I suspect that your pressure needs adjusting on the e-brake. Have you put a guage on the e-brake? Check the idle pressure, then drive it and see how the pressure registers while downshifted on a hill with the e-brake engaged. A cracked exhaust manifold, leaky gaskets etc. will cost you braking power. If it's a remote mount there are other issues too. <br><br>Strong valve springs allow you to adjust the BD brake to a higher pressure, though I think you will need to change an internal spring to get max performance on 60lb valves if you now have the 35lb brake. Larry

 

A 60 lb. valve spring (exhaust) has a barrel shape compared to the intake spring. You will see the difference. If there is no difference, then no HD exhaust valve springs.<br>TBGH

 

How do I check the pressure and how do I know if my brake is a 35lb brake?