Checking Jacobs Brake Wiring

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Caterpillar Cowboy, Jan 8, 2015.

  1. Caterpillar Cowboy

    Caterpillar Cowboy Heavy Load Member

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    Nov 11, 2010
    Wyoming
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    6TS 3406E, Jacobs 340A, In a KW

    Truck's acted like it was only firing on 2 out of the 3 jake heads on the trip home. Stage 1 is non-existant, and stage 3 feels like stage 2. Previous trucks experiences make me suspect that something is up on the #2 Jake head, holes 3 and 4. Resistance through the solenoids is a steady 10.3-10.5 ohms in all three solenoids. Press down on the solenoids all of them mechanically work, Solenoid #2 did give some resistance, but hit the Jake fine after a second.

    So either something was gummed up (I hope), or I have got to check the wiring, does anybody have a schematic for the connector that goes into the spacer plate? I would have to think that this would be the easiest place to check both the internal wiring, and wiring to the ECM. Also, does a guy have to have someone rev the truck up and let off while I run the voltmeter (I think), or is it mechanic friendly and should show voltage whenever the dash switch is on (seems unlikely but people get lucky).

    I want to finish checking out my wiring and probably run the rack (just bought truck at auction, hasn't had valve train adjusted in 5 years) before I get everything buttoned up. Hopefully I get lucky and something was just stuck, but I'd rather not have to pull my valve covers off twice. Thought I'd try to get some answers on here before the Cathouse opens tomorrow.
     
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  3. Ezrider_48501

    Ezrider_48501 Road Train Member

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    bismarck, nd
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    after you check the dash switch. i would start at the pass threw connectors, un plug the pass thews on the outside of the head. fire it up and idle it up then jump a hot lead to each pass threw and observe the function of the jake break. if all 3 function then you know the problem lies in the electrical before the pass threw. if one does not function you know the issue is after the pass threw and witch head is not functioning. if the problem lies in the electrical before the head you can plug them all back in and then and un plug them one at a time and see witch one does not change the operation of the Jake.
     
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2015
    tommymonza Thanks this.
  4. jbourque

    jbourque Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 25, 2012
    south english iowa
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    ezrider that is a old time trick,most of the time it is electrical b safe out there
     
  5. Largecar359

    Largecar359 Road Train Member

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    New Jersey
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    Almost ever time I've had a problem with the jake it's been inside the rocker boxes. Unless there is a burnt wire externally that you can see, my money is on a poor wire connection in box or a weak solenoid. Disconnect one at a time with truck running and see which box doesn't create a change when you hit the jake, not the most scientific way but it's a goodie.
     
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