Exhaust Brakes which one? - Diesel Forum

stevejd · 11-26-2006, 08:45 AM

Ok, I've done some searching here but don't seem to find any specfic discussion related to exhaust brakes. So I'll pose the question who's using what brake and are they happy so far.

Enophite · 11-26-2006, 09:44 AM

I use the SP Diesel exhaust brake.
It works extremely well, have had it on since 03 with no problems.
I've installed four or five of these for friends and all are very happy with the brake.
It works very well with 15k+ on the back going down a 6% grade.
Saves alot on the brakes and the drivers seat with the pucker factor figured in.
I have nothing to do with the company other than being a very satisfied customer.
You can spend more on an exhaust brake but,,, why?
Later
Rich [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

stevejd · 11-26-2006, 03:55 PM

I was checking the SP site and I guess I don't understand how this is working. Is there no acutator valve that is place in-line with the exhaust? The pictures show only a circuit board and harness. Everything I've looked at so far as a valve system that is added.

rrangus · 11-26-2006, 04:58 PM

Without doing research, I would guess that they are using the back pressure valve to do the retarding. I had the Lang (sp?) kit on my 99 from about 5,000 miles until I sold it two weeks ago. I could gross 30-32,000# and come down the mountains 4-8% grades without ever touching the brakes. Remember that the retarding is in direct relation to the engine rpm's. Try to pick a gear that will keep the engine near the redline when you are using it to desend a mountain. That way you will get the maximum effect from the exhaust brake

SmokeyWren · 11-26-2006, 06:34 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I was checking the SP site and I guess I don't understand how this is working. Is there no acutator valve that is place in-line with the exhaust?

[/ QUOTE ]

There are two basic designs for exhaust brakes.

The cheap kind are some electronic parts that let you close the stock exhaust back pressure valve (EBPV) to get some engine braking effect. These cost a few hundred bucks, depending on options, such as torque converter lockup capability. Examples are the SPDiesel exhaust brake already mentioned, the original design still made by TurboBrake - www.turbobrake.com - and the BD BrakeLoc. http://www.dieselperformance.com/for...oc&tt=ford

The expensive kind have their own butterfly valve that goes into the exhaust pipe after the turbo. Those are great, but they cost over $1,000. Made by Banks, PacBrake, U.S.Gear, BD, and others. Here's the BD: http://www.dieselperformance.com/for...es&tt=ford

stevejd · 11-26-2006, 07:24 PM

So besides pricing what are the draw backs of the electronic versions verse's the Banks, BD etc which have been the ones I've been looking at.

Cowcop · 11-26-2006, 08:35 PM

Hope this helps....
When we used the electronic version that uses the warmup valve and were pulling our 7000 lb trailer , it worked ok. You would have to keep your rpms high to keep any braking effect. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
When we bought the 9900 trailer , this brake was all but useless unless you keep the rpms very high. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]
As such , we bought the expensive BD brake and could not be happier. The brake is effective at all rpms , high or low. Very simple way to tow safely. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

wdwkr · 11-27-2006, 11:31 AM

Do any of you guys have an exhaust brake in a 6.0 psd? I have done a lot of research and I'm thinking of installing the BD brake. I have just never heard from anyone with experience with one.

Pat Dolan · 11-27-2006, 04:10 PM

There are also two variations of the expensive kind of exhaust brake: fixed orifice and constant pressure. The fixed orifice ones rely on a fancy version of the EBV to restrict exhaust flow, and depend, again, on high RPM for any effect at all. The constant pressure ones have a blow-off valve and maintain max rated back pressure at any RPM (but are still somewhat RPM dependant - just a much flatter curve).

rjlein · 11-28-2006, 04:52 PM

I have the BD brake in my rig and it works well, I use it when pulling my trailer and hauling my camper. In 4 low, 2nd gear it has kept me at 7mph going down a very steep gravel road out hunting with the camper on, very cool. My coast clutch doesn't like it much if I'm going over 60 though.

Roy_Boy · 11-28-2006, 10:24 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Do any of you guys have an exhaust brake in a 6.0 psd? I have done a lot of research and I'm thinking of installing the BD brake. I have just never heard from anyone with experience with one.

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, I have a US Gear Super Duty exhaust brake on mine, it is great!
Just make sure you have a tuner that disables the EGR operation.

pristine · 11-28-2006, 10:45 PM

I have had a BD brake for several years, and it has worked flawlessly. I cannot speak for other systems, but I would run another BD brake again in a minute. The cost may be a bit high, but you get what you pay for.
jgr

wdwkr · 11-29-2006, 12:40 AM

Thanks guys. Thats just what I need to hear. My thought is these handshakers should come with one from the factory.

dontstop · 11-29-2006, 06:12 PM

can the BD/Banks exhaust brake be used on the 7.3 IDI? i've heard you can't because of hyd. lifters. anybody know?

jprensink · 11-29-2006, 07:04 PM

Goiing out on a limb here but I am pertty shure that the psd has hyd lifters - or we would all be adjusting them once a month [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]