Just returned from a 3 week trip through New Mexico and down to McAllen TX. On the way home I noticed my exhaust brake was acting up. Seems all of a sudden it has lost significant back pressure when you let off the gas pedal. The compressor appears to be working OK, no loss of pressure in the lines, no air leak, am wondering if anyone else has experienced this and what was the cause? Will be calling Pacbrake in the morning to discuss the problem.

 

I've had air leaks develop a couple of times that kept the pressure down.
When you speake with Pac, they can tell what pressure the system should be at. I had a pressure switch go out.

 

Have you oiled it at all? I do mine every oil change.

 

Yes I oil it every 3-4 months. Talked to Doug at Pacbrake, and he is sending me to a authorizied Pacbrake installer to have a back pressure test performed. Based upon the symptoms he thinks it may be a bent shaft on the buterfly valve, and the assembly will need to be replaced. Have an appointment this Friday.

 

I believe the exhaust back pressure is 60 psi,when the valve is closed at idle,the air line presure is about 125-130 psi max at compressor shut off.I have a gauge with an air fitting on it that I can plug into the compressor.How about at idle during warm up does your air cylinder actuate all the way so as to fully close the exhaust valve?

 

KWKING,
How can I tell if the air cylinder actuates all the way?

 

Where do you oil it? what kind of oil? I've had mine for 20,000 miles & never oiled it.

 

Basically all the pivot points get oiled and I think the exhation port.
I found the new pic on thief site that has the points and ordered a bottle of the PacLube for it when I ordered my in-cab switch setup.

Prior to this I would shoot the points every couple months w/PB Blaster.

 

Ok I'll check out the Pac brake site.

 

Oiling istructions are in the manual too.

 

My brand new Pac quit working with only 500 miles on it, similar symptoms. Called HQ and turned out to be a faulty pressure solenoid which they replaced. Works fine now.

Did you call and have them help you troubleshoot over the phone?