1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

Exhaust brake maintenence.

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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 09:53 AM
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From: Eagle Ne
Exhaust brake maintenence.

OK, So the dually had an exhaust brake on it when I got it but the brake valve was stuck and hadn't worked in some time And I pulled everything off when I did the front clip and the DE 4" . Anywho I think were gonna put it back on now so last night i got the valve freed up and its been soaking in oil over night.

Just kinda wondering is there a special lube that needs to be applied to the valve itself or if I just gotta use it to keep it freed up?
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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 10:10 AM
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I say just use it often so that carbon doesn't have much of a chance to build up on it and cause it to seize again.
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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 03:32 PM
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In the old days, they used to recommend lubricating the bushings with penetrating oil at every oil change . . . but ideally you would be able to get some sort of graphite or molybdenum to penetrate into the bushing, as any oil is going to burn away.
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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Alec
In the old days, they used to recommend lubricating the bushings with penetrating oil at every oil change . . . but ideally you would be able to get some sort of graphite or molybdenum to penetrate into the bushing, as any oil is going to burn away.
PacBrake has a special lube they sell for it. They also recommend operating it occasionally to keep it free.

It's called:

PACBAKE
EXHAUST BRAKE
Maintenance
Synthetic Lubricant

The lube goes everywhere......on the shaft, and in the cylinder.

You can order it directly from them.
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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 05:53 PM
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The Pacbrake stuff works great. Using the brake frequently helps keep it from sticking too.
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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 06:07 PM
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I know if its on the truck it will get used all the time.
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 03:13 PM
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Speaking of maintenance, is there anything to the pump that needs to be lubed or adjusted? I have a Pacbrake on my '93 and the pump runs for about a second, then cycles on-off-on-off and eventually closes the brake. Works great once closed but I'm assuming the pump is supposed to run until closed, then cycle to maintain pressure? I jumpered the switch (looks like an oil pressure sending unit) and the pump ran continuously once activated and quickly closed the valve. I assume that is a pressure switch? Anyone have any details on getting a new one or what the specs are?
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 04:46 PM
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That's not the standard brake on that truck, so get your label data before you call.

They're very helpful at the 800 number. They'll try to get you to go to a dealer to get parts, but usually it's easier to just insist on paying full retail and get it shipped right out.

http://www.pacbrake.com/index.php?page=customer-support
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 06:49 PM
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From: Napa, CA
Originally Posted by j_martin
That's not the standard brake on that truck, so get your label data before you call.

They're very helpful at the 800 number. They'll try to get you to go to a dealer to get parts, but usually it's easier to just insist on paying full retail and get it shipped right out.

http://www.pacbrake.com/index.php?page=customer-support
Not sure how you gathered that from what I told you, but I will give them a call. The part I think is bad is pictured below, red wire coming out. PO (father in law) said it used to run, then cycle once closed.

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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 07:42 PM
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From: langley bc
dont the original pac brakes work off the vacum pump?
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 10:34 PM
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From: Isanti, MN
Originally Posted by crazy clem
dont the original pac brakes work off the vacum pump?
Yep. I'm sure mine was installed soon after the truck was bought. It's a throttle (closed) switch, a solenoid valve, and a vacuum operated brake valve.

I'm sure the air version works fine also, but just be sure you tell them which one it is.

On my to do list is a small circuit board with logic to sense the state of OD, and turn it off if it's on when you throw the toggle switch for the exhaust brake, and also turn it on if it's off when you turn off the exhaust brake. Best guess is it's a one chip deal.
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Old Jul 13, 2012 | 04:37 PM
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Thanks for the info. As reported, PacBrake customer service is the best. The CSR Chris troubleshot...troubleshooted :-) over the phone and turns out the pressure switch was bad. I guess my brake is a 94+ that has been retrofit onto my truck, it works amazing. Also, for anyone the comes across this thread, there is nothing in the pump that needs maintenance, just the "super lube" on the valve and related actuating hardware.
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