Community Forums

Texun1 · 09-11-2009, 11:37 AM

On the road, Jake Brake is not working, what are the some of the things I can do to troubleshoot?

National Tradewinds 2000, CAT 300. We are heading into the Mountains and any suggestions would be appreciated.

Bill, Melissa and Henry (mighty dog)!

RV Wizard · 09-12-2009, 03:28 AM

What chassis are you on? If Freightliner you might want to post your question in that owner section of the forum for better exposure. I would check for fuses, 12 volt power to solenoid, & linkage at gate valve.

hondo122 · 09-12-2009, 10:23 AM

Have you lubed the linkage lately? Should be done at least yearly with pacbrake lube.

Gary RVRoamer · 09-12-2009, 01:55 PM

And is it really a Jake brake? More likely a PAC or other brand of exhaust brake on that engine. I know many people call all speed retarders a "Jake brake", but if you need to trouble shoot, it is necessary to know the type and make/mode. A Jake brake is nothing at all like an exhaust brake, from the trouble shooting perspective.

BigSkyBob · 09-12-2009, 02:52 PM

Could be a Jacobs Exhaust brake, often confused with an engine compression brake made by Jacobs or a C Brake compression brake made by Cummins.

Gary RVRoamer · 09-13-2009, 10:45 AM

The Jacobs Engine Brake (the famous "Jake brake") is not often installed on a Cat 300, which is why I asked. An exhaust brake (Jacobs, PAC, BD, etc.) is much more common. There is not much the owner can do if an engine brake is malfunctioning, but an exhaust brake is a different story.