Community Forums

8thDegree · 02-22-2018, 10:42 AM

I was reading another post about a pac brake that had seized up and got to thinking, what type of engine brake do I have?

I purchased the 1997 Dynasty last year and we drove it from Oregon to Texas and I used the brake many times going through the mountains. I believe I used it every time I took the coach out last year and the last time was over Thanksgiving weekend.

The label on the dash button says "Engine Brake". Whenever it was used, the transmission would downshift. I assumed that that was all there was to it, but the other post talked about some hardware seizing up and needing lubrication.

I tried to read up on engine braking, but apparently there are different types like pac brake and jake brake. Ours only says engine brake.

The coach is in storage so I can't just go and look for it. Can someone tell me what type I have and if I need to lubricate or service any parts of it? Also, it would be helpful to know where to look for it.

We have a trip planned in a few weeks and it has been winterized since early December. I am planning some service items this weekend and next weekend so any advice on what to look for/perform would be great.

Thanks!

Happycarz · 02-22-2018, 11:35 AM

Both my 93 Dynasty and 99 Dynasty had PacBrakes, which are exhaust brakes. I would assume yours also has a PacBrake.

Chargerman · 02-22-2018, 11:41 AM

I believe that the Pacbrake has external linkage that can use lubrication to keep it functioning properly. I have seen pictures of it but I cannot locate them at this time. I’m guessing that if you take a look at your exhaust manifold and follow it a bit you should be able to
Locate the linkage and the brake

dennis45 · 02-22-2018, 12:09 PM

Most likely you have. PakBrake. Here is some info that might be handy to have.

niRVana · 02-22-2018, 12:18 PM

If you have a exhaust brake ( pac brake ) it will be mounted behind the exhaust side of the turbocharger. You see a small cylinder actuated by air. You should be able to manually move the linkage an liberate the shaft and linkage.
An engine brake ( jake brake )will be located under the valve cover. It has no service requirements.

oldguy70 · 02-22-2018, 07:25 PM

If it says engine brake I would assume it is jake type brake. That is what an engine brake
is. An engine brake uses engine compression and an exhaust brake shuts down the exhaust. Hope you have an engine brake as they are the better of the two, and it's not
mislabeled.

Chargerman · 02-23-2018, 05:54 AM

It will be a Pacbrake in that coach. They use the same “Engine Brake” labeled switch regardless of the type of brake installed

MSHappyCampers · 02-23-2018, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chargerman

It will be a Pacbrake in that coach. They use the same “Engine Brake” labeled switch regardless of the type of brake installed

X2!

8thDegree · 02-23-2018, 12:00 PM

Thanks for the info everyone. This is exactly what I needed to find out.

So, these need to be lubricated with a special type of high heat oil. Do we have to order the Pacbrake brand, or is there an alternative that I can go and purchase locally? The reason I ask is that I have some time to perform this weekend, but I won't be able to get it shipped to me if that is what it takes.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!