Truckers Report Jobs

Find Trucking Jobs

Company Driver Company Driver Dry Van Dry Van Flatbed Flatbed Refrigerated Refrigerated Specialized Specialized Owner Operator Owner Operator
More Trucking Job Searches ⌄ Fewer Trucking Job Searches
⌃

Cat brakesaver help

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by 704mover, Jan 29, 2019.

Page 1 of 5
  1. Jan 29, 2019 #1
    704mover

    704mover Light Load Member

    60
    22
    Mar 8, 2018
    0
    I've been running my 85 peterbilt with a 3406b for a while now. It's got a brakesaver and all operable guages but does nothing when I pukl down the handle to apply brake. I've never seen one in a truck before and it's all new to me any help getting it working would be appreciated. Thanks
     
    704mover, Jan 29, 2019
    704mover, Jan 29, 2019
    #1
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Jan 30, 2019 #2
    Inderjit

    Inderjit Heavy Load Member

    720
    707
    Sep 17, 2017
    0
    There is a valve on the bottom of the oil pan that supplies oil to the brake saver.
    There should be an air line going to the cap on the end of it. Make sure you air when you pull the valve.
    If oil runs out of the fitting when you disconnect air line then there is a tear in the diaphragm which is quite common.
     
    Inderjit, Jan 30, 2019
    Inderjit, Jan 30, 2019
    #2
    okiedokie and Oxbow Thank this.
  4. Jan 30, 2019 #3
    Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

    12,674
    130,723
    Nov 24, 2015
    Idaho
    0
    As Inderjit mentioned, there is a diaphragm that the air pressure pushes against, which in turn pushes a valve spool allowing oil to enter the retarder.

    You should have an air gauge in the dash that tells you how much pressure is being applied to that diaphragm. I have mine adjusted to a maximum psi of 60. If the diaphragm is broken you should here air whooshing (technical term) past the diaphragm.

    You can try airing up the system with shop air and pulling the valve to listen for air, or just air the system, shut the motor off, and then pull the handle and listen for air escaping.

    They are a very simple system, so either the diaphragm is broken or the air supply has been disabled.

    I have two 89s with B models and retarders, and one has Jakes as well. They are old, but I really like them and how they work.

    If you get it working, be sure to watch your oil temperature on longer downhill grades. I turn the engine fan on when starting down, which helps to keep the oil temperature down and also helps a bit with holding the load.
     
    Oxbow, Jan 30, 2019
    Oxbow, Jan 30, 2019
    #3
    Hammer166, wore out, SAR and 2 others Thank this.
  5. Jan 30, 2019 #4
    Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

    12,674
    130,723
    Nov 24, 2015
    Idaho
    0
    Here are a couple of diagrams of the brakesaver control mechanism. The diaphragm is part # 12.
     

    Attached Files:

    Oxbow, Jan 30, 2019
    Oxbow, Jan 30, 2019
    #4
    SAR, pushbroom and spsauerland Thank this.
  7. Jan 30, 2019 #5
    704mover

    704mover Light Load Member

    60
    22
    Mar 8, 2018
    0
    Thanks a lot. Next rainy day I'll check it out. This truck has Jake's as well but they're not working either. I can fix that with new switches, just haven't done it. Also this is the first tractor I have ever seen with two speed axles. I've had smaller 2 ton trucks with two speed rears but never a semi. Really helps when loaded and crawling to the road.
     
    704mover, Jan 30, 2019
    704mover, Jan 30, 2019
    #5
    wore out and Oxbow Thank this.
  8. Jan 30, 2019 #6
    Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

    12,674
    130,723
    Nov 24, 2015
    Idaho
    0
    I have 2 speed rears on one as well, and I like them too, but heavy and expensive for typical OTR.

    One of my trucks has a dash switch for the retarder.....works just like the Jake switch (off of the idle set screw). It has a solenoid that allows pressure to the retarder, and a pressure regulator. When it is used it is all or nothing unlike using the handle.
     
    Oxbow, Jan 30, 2019
    Oxbow, Jan 30, 2019
    #6
    SAR and 704mover Thank this.
  9. Feb 11, 2019 #7
    704mover

    704mover Light Load Member

    60
    22
    Mar 8, 2018
    0
    So I finally got time to investigate the brakesaver today. When I pull the handle, guages shows 60lb of air. I payed under the truck and listened while my dad pulled the handle. It sounded like air was blowing into the oil in the pan. Does this mean the diaphragm is bad?
     
    704mover, Feb 11, 2019
    704mover, Feb 11, 2019
    #7
    Oxbow and wore out Thank this.
  10. Feb 11, 2019 #8
    Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

    12,674
    130,723
    Nov 24, 2015
    Idaho
    0
    Yes. If you are near needing to change the oil that would be the time to do it. The diaphragm isn't very expensive, but pay close attention to how everything comes apart.
     
    Oxbow, Feb 11, 2019
    Oxbow, Feb 11, 2019
    #8
    spsauerland and 704mover Thank this.
  11. Feb 11, 2019 #9
    704mover

    704mover Light Load Member

    60
    22
    Mar 8, 2018
    0
    I'm ordering a diaphragm online before I drain the oil and take it apart. Which one is it?
     

    Attached Files:

    704mover, Feb 11, 2019
    704mover, Feb 11, 2019
    #9
  12. Feb 11, 2019 #10
    Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

    12,674
    130,723
    Nov 24, 2015
    Idaho
    0
    158-0507 I believe. What is your VIN#?
     
    Oxbow, Feb 11, 2019
    Oxbow, Feb 11, 2019
    #10
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

    • Page 1 of 5